Dictyophora duplicata, the veiled stinkhorn or the netted stinkhorn
Dictyophora duplicata is a member of the class Gasteromycetes (the stomach fungi).
Gasteromycetes-- the hymenium is exposed after the spores mature. This class includes the stinkhorns.
The common name stinkhorn for this fungus is very appropriate. The fruiting body begins as an "egg" stage, from which the phallic-looking fruiting body emerges over the course of just a few hours.
The stinkhorns are all members of the order Phallales. All member of this order produce a stinking mass of spores at some point. The genera and species are differentiated on the basis of what kind of fruiting bodies they produce and where they bear their spores on the fruiting body. Dictyophora and Phallus species have a pileus differentiated at the top of the stalk. Dictyophora species all have a veil-like structure hanging down, while Phallus species lack the veil. Phallus impudicus is probably the most famous of the stinkhorns-- it certainly has the most descriptive name!
Surprisingly there are some human uses for members of the Phallales. You're probably not going to believe this, but some of these members of the Phallales, especially Phallus and Dictyophora are considered a delicacy in China! As you might guess (especially if you're familiar with the doctrine of signatures, where the ailment cured by an organism is related to its shape), you won't be surprised that both of these are considered aphrodisiacs! Sometimes they are eaten in the egg stage, and sometimes they are eaten after maturity, after the spore mass is removed. They are even cultivated and sold in stores in China, either fresh or dried.
Paradise Park area, Big Island, Hawaii
