Bizarre rare ‘ALIEN’ plant with ‘tentacles’ and a smell like rotting flesh is spotted growing in the UK
A BIZARRE rare “alien” plant with “tentacles” and a smell like rotting flesh has been spotted growing in the UK.
Two nature-lovers spotted the Devil’s fingers fungus while out for a walk in the woods in East Sussex.
The smelly fungus looks like an egg with red tentacles and is also known as octopus stinkhorn.
It first travelled over from Australia 120 years ago, at the start of the 20th century.
The fungus is now spreading across the south and south west of England.
It starts life as a “witch’s egg” before sprouting the octopus-like tentacles.
The fungus collapses after a few days and starts to rot – with its meaty smell luring insects.
While the creepy crawlies gorge on the rotting fungus, its spores latch onto their feet.
As the insects fly away, they take the spores with them – spreading the fungus.
The Devil’s fingers were spotted by Sussex nature lovers Lisa Saw and Sue Robinson.
Lisa told the Argus: “It might resemble an alien from a sci-fi film and has a strong, unpleasant smell.
“But these red tentacle-like arms belong to the aptly named Devil’s fingers fungus, which is a rare find in the UK.
“I was thrilled to discover this colourful fungus and see a few of the eggs.
“Watching the development from the egg has been amazing. I’m a newbie when it comes to fungi.”
Self-employed dance teacher Lisa said walking in nature has been a “lifeline” this year.
She has now taken up snapping mushrooms and enjoys trying to identify different kinds of fungus.
Britain braces for ‘deadly FUNGUS invasion’
A DEADLY fungus invasion has hit Britain as mushrooms so poisonous a mouthful could kill you spring up in UK soil, experts claim.
Death Cap mushrooms, dubbed “silent assassins” by the Woodland Trust, are popping up across the country, thriving in the gloomy conditions following floods and thunderstorms.
The poisonous fungus grows up to 15cm across and 15cm tall, with a domed or white cap and an off-white stem.
“Although it looks fairly inoffensive and similar to a number of edible mushrooms, it is deadly poisonous,” the Woodland Trust warns.
Now a surge in fungi growth is being reported across Britain amid growing fears over the Death Cap mushrooms, according to the Daily Star.
The mushroom is fairly common in most parts of Britain, Ireland and mainland Europe, and is often found under oak and beech.
Death Caps contain the poison amanitin and are responsible for 90% of deaths by fungus.
Half a cap or even less is enough to kill a person.
Three people in Jersey – including a mum and son – were poisoned on September 15 after eating death cap mushrooms.
They mistook the deadly fungus for edible mushrooms.
Fungi expert Charlotte Shenkin told the BBC: “It’s essential to be aware of the real and potentially deadly risks of eating wild fungi without knowledge and caution.”
Toadstools are now thriving in the soggy conditions following days of wet weather.
Andy Overall, who write about fungi, posted on X: “I’ve never seen so many mushrooms in East Sussex, as fungi responds to the rain and relatively warm temperatures.”
Find out how to spot a death cap mushroom here