I can’t count how many times I’ve been watching a documentary or stumbled upon a YouTube video, only to be shocked by how raw and, frankly, terrifying nature can be.
The reality is that many of us know very little about the natural world, which is understandable given how vast it is. While this might be unsettling to some, it’s also important to remember that the hidden wonders of the world are what make our planet so special. It would be quite dull if everything looked and behaved the same.
I must admit, I have a natural curiosity about all things wild, so it’s no surprise that I was drawn to a video about a fascinating species of fungus known as the Octopus stinkhorn.
Also called the “devil’s fingers,” it has a very distinctive appearance, and its growth process is equally captivating.
If you didn’t know about this fungus before reading this, don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Native to Australia and New Zealand, the fungus can now be found in other continents, including Europe and North America. It emerges from what looks like a broken egg (but isn’t), eventually forming several elongated, pink arms.
If the appearance of the Octopus stinkhorn isn’t enough to give you chills, it reportedly emits the odor of rotting flesh when it matures! This is thought to be an evolutionary strategy to attract flies, which help in spore dispersion.
Check out more in the video below: