I noticed these fungi when I was looking around my front garden this morning. I could see little red tops amongst the mulch when I came back from my morning walk with the dogs and came back later to investigate further ... with my camera of course.
If one thinks laterally the shape of the fungi and the way it unfolds lends itself to the prompt. I was quite taken with these and had to do some googling to find out what they were. The keywords used where 'red, smelly, fungus'! It didn't take much to work out they belong to the 'stinkhorn' family. They are also part of the 'phallic' family. Their botanical name is Aseroe Rubra and they are commonly called Anemone Stinkhorn or Starfish Fungus. (clicking on the blue writing will take you to a site for more information)
The first photo here shows the fungus before it has opened its 'arms'. The following photo is the fungus fully open.
Yay, I have caught up on three days of blog entries. Tomorrow I start back at uni. It will be interesting to see what challenges and painting projects this semester brings.
Dinner is calling so it's off to make something to eat. Goodnight all.