"Like a Finger Stretching Out of a Grave, Creepy"... The Identity of the Mushroom Found in a British Forest

Emitting Rotten Meat-Like Smell to Attract Insects

An amateur photographer in the UK shared unique photos of a mushroom found in the forest.

Recently, The Sun reported that amateur photographer Julia Roger discovered and photographed the "Sea Anemone Mushroom" (scientific name Clathrus archeri: Flower Basket Mushroom) in New Forest National Park, Hampshire, England. This mushroom, with its deep pink color, resembles alien fingers.

Due to its distinctive appearance, the Sea Anemone Mushroom is called "Devil's Fingers" in English-speaking countries. It emits a smell similar to rotting meat to attract insects like flies. Although it is non-toxic, it is known to be avoided by people because of its foul odor.

Roger said, "It was the most hand-like mushroom I have ever seen," adding, "Its appearance, as if reaching out from beyond a grave, gave me goosebumps." The finger-like tentacles usually grow in groups of 3 to 4, but the mushroom Roger photographed had exactly five strands, making it look even more like fingers.

According to reports, this mushroom is native to New Zealand and Australia. It is believed to have spread to Europe, including France, during World War I through military supplies.

First discovered in the UK in 1914, this mushroom is rarely seen, attracting the attention of local mycologists. It is distributed worldwide and is known as the Flower Basket Mushroom in Korea. The Sun explained, "It is rarely found in the UK, with only two recorded sightings in 1999."