Bridal Veil Stinkhorn: Is It a Foul Pest or Welcome Garden Ally?

The bridal veil stinkhorn is one of the strangest fungi you’ll find in the rainforest. It appears suddenly, usually overnight, erect and proud with its own wedding veil. And the smell? Well, it’s not exactly pleasant.

If you’ve spotted one in your mulch or compost, you’re not alone. This mushroom thrives in rich, moist soil and is often found growing in gardens after rain. But what is it exactly? And should you remove it?

In this post, we’ll explore what the bridal veil stinkhorn is, how it grows, and why it smells the way it does. We’ll also examine its role in the garden, its edibility, and what to do if it appears in your yard.

What Is the Bridal Veil Stinkhorn?

The bridal veil stinkhorn (Phallus indusiatus) is a tropical mushroom that belongs to a group of fungi known for their pungent odours and unusual shapes (most of them are called Phallus for a reason 🤣).

It begins life as a small, white “egg” hidden beneath the soil. Within hours, it can transform into a tall mushroom with a brown cap and lacy white net. It then disappears as quickly as it arrived.

Other common names for this fungus include: long net stinkhorn, veiled lady mushroom, basket stinkhorn and bamboo mushroom.

This mushroom prefers:

• Warm, humid climates

• Soil that is rich in organic matter

• Mulched or composted areas

• Moist growing conditions

Other Types of Stinkhorns

The bridal veil stinkhorn is just one type of stinkhorn. Another similar species is the yellow bridal veil stinkhorn (Phallus multicolor). This stinkhorn has the same delicate, lacy “veil” but in a yellow colour.

All stinkhorns belong to the Phallaceae family. While they share certain traits—especially their smell—they vary widely in appearance. Some other common stinkhorn fungi include the following:

• The common stinkhorn (Phallus impudicus)

• The dog stinkhorn (Mutinus caninus)

• The anemone stinkhorn (Aseroe rubra)

The bridal veil stinkhorn's most recognisable feature is its delicate white “veil”, which adds a ghostly elegance. Its scent is also considered slightly less offensive than some of the other species.

The Aroma Factor: Why Do Stinkhorns Stink?

All stinkhorns produce a thick, slimy substance on their caps called “gleba”. This substance smells like rotting meat. But it isn’t rot—it’s strategy. The smell attracts hungry insects, such as flies and beetles.

The insects feed on the slime and, in doing so, collect spores. As the insects move on, they carry the spores to other places, allowing the fungi to spread across the forest floor or your garden beds.

This is how stinkhorn fungi reproduce. It’s a method well-suited to still, humid areas where wind can’t carry spores easily. Although the smell may be unpleasant, it serves a beneficial purpose in nature.

Benefits of the Bridal Veil Stinkhorn in the Garden

At first glance, stinkhorns may seem like a nuisance. But in truth, they are signs of a healthy, living soil. They break down organic matter, such as dead wood and leaves and return nutrients to the soil.

The benefits of bridal veil stinkhorn include:

• Improving nutrient cycling in garden beds

• Supporting a healthy soil structure

• Attracting beneficial insects that can help control pests

• Supporting a living soil full of microbial life
  

If you’re building a sustainable garden, fungi like the bridal veil stinkhorn are allies, not pests. They form part of the same interconnected system that makes organic gardens thrive.

Are Stinkhorns Edible?

A common question is whether or not stinkhorns are edible. The answer is sometimes, with caution. Although stinkhorn mushrooms are not toxic, eating the wrong species could make you sick.

In parts of Asia, bridal veil stinkhorn is considered a delicacy, particularly in Southeast China. It’s usually harvested in its egg stage, before the stalk (and stench) emerge. At this point, it has a firm texture and is often dried or cooked in soups.

However, identifying fungi can be challenging, especially for beginners. Some stinkhorns resemble poisonous or irritating species. Eating the wrong mushroom can cause a serious illness or even be fatal.

If you’re interested in foraging for bridal veil stinkhorn (Phallus indusiatus), make sure you:

• Avoid eating any fungi unless you’re 100% sure of the species

• Collect the early “egg” stage of the mushroom only

• Get confirmation from a foraging expert or a trusted guidebook

• Never eat a stinkhorn once the cap has opened

• Always cook thoroughly before eating

• It’s also best to wear gloves when harvesting to protect your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do I Have Stinkhorns In My Garden?

Stinkhorns love rich, organic soil. If you use mulch, compost, or wood chips, you’ve created the perfect rainforest-like conditions for them to grow. Warmth, moisture, and natural matter all help them thrive.

Should I Remove Stinkhorn Fungi?

There’s no need to. Stinkhorns are not harmful to your plants, your soil, or your health. If the smell bothers you, you can remove them manually by digging them up before they open. But they’ll often return, as the mycelium remains in the soil.

Can You Touch A Stinkhorn Mushroom?

Yes, you can touch a stinkhorn mushroom. They’re not toxic to touch, but the slime on the cap is sticky and has a bad smell. If you do handle them, wash your hands straight away or wear gloves.

Are Stinkhorns Poisonous To Dogs?

Stinkhorns are not known to be toxic to dogs; however, some dogs may vomit after consuming them. Most dogs avoid them due to the smell. Still, if your dog eats one and shows signs of illness, call your vet.

Nature’s Recyclers: Bridal Veil Stinkhorns

The bridal veil stinkhorn may look unusual and smell unpleasant, but it’s not a pest! It’s a sign of a vibrant living soil. This rainforest mushroom feeds on decaying matter, replenishing the soil's nutrients.

In tropical gardens, stinkhorns often show up when conditions are just right: warm, damp, and rich in organic matter, just like the rainforest floor. They are quiet allies in your garden’s hidden underground network.

So next time you see (or smell) a bridal veil stinkhorn, or other stinkhorn, take a moment to reflect. You’re looking at nature’s recyclers, doing their work beneath the mulch to support biodiversity.