Octopus Stinkhorn: AKA Devil’s Fingers

Nature 1 Minute

From the first-nature.com website:

In Britain this remarkable fungus is commonly known as Devil’s Fingers, and in parts of the USA it is referred to as the Octopus Fungus. As global warming advances this species may become more common in Britain, and it will be interesting to see which (if any) of these common names is most generally adopted. One thing is for sure: its appearance and its awful smell guarantee that it will not go unnoticed for long!

Egg stage

Before rupturing the ball or egg of Clathrus archeri is typically 2 to 3cm in diameter.

Emerging arms

A large, starfish-like fruitbody whose 4 to 6 (exceptionally 8) arched red arms are coated with a smelly gleba on the upper surface, the mature fruitbody is typically 20cm across with arms arching to 10cm in height. The bright red colour makes this remarkable species very easy to identify; however, it is a relatively rare find in Britain and mainly found in the south of England and in the Channel Islands.

Strong, unpleasant odour reminescent of rotting meat; no distinctive taste at the young egg stage – I can find no reports about the taste of mature fruitbodies.

Clathrus archeri is saprobic and mainly found in leaf litter under trees and shrubs; also increasingly on bark mulch in parks and gardens.

Culinary Notes

In common with other kinds of stinkhorns, Clathrus archeri is not proven to be toxic, but it should be treated as suspect. Even if you can tolerate the stench it’s a risky snack. After you! No, no… after you, I insist!

In fact the eggs of various stinkhorns are edible, but there are no records of fights having taken place over these delicacies as there certainly are over truffles, morels and some kinds of edible boletes.

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Published by pat frederick

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134 thoughts on “Octopus Stinkhorn: AKA Devil’s Fingers”

  1. Morning All

    woke up to 50*! hubby said this week should be very warm for April. hopefully i can get the garden weeded so we can fertilize it this year…still looks pretty wet out there though

    the sun is an orange ball currently trying to rise but there’s fog in the valley below us

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m assuming that’s you, Pat….it was cloudy when I first got up but now they have all disappeared, except for a low line in the distance to the south. Temp is chilly at 41. Crossing my fingers for a continuously sunny day.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Charlotte99

    Charlotte99

    April 29, 2024 8:07 am

    According to U.S. Navy Officials; this Morning at roughly 3:40am a Vehicle attempting to enter Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story in Norfolk, Virginia ran the Front Gate causing Security Forces to place the Base on Lockdown and raise the Hydraulic-Access Barriers, which the Vehicle subsequently Collided with and caught Fire before Exploding.

    The on Base Fire Service was Activated and the Fire was Extinguished, however the Driver was declared Dead at the Scene. The Incident is currently being Investigated by NCIS and other Federal Agencies.

    https://nitter.poast.org/sentdefender/status/1784665168699347022#m

    Like

  17. Rix Six

    Rix Six

    April 29, 2024 8:13 am

    And I liked their turkey brine too, we’ve used it for the past 8 or 10 years for our Thanksgiving turkey. I will no longer buy from them.

    William-Sonoma Inc. sold their products as Made in the USA when they were made in china.
    https://americanfaith.com/williams-sonoma-fined-over-3-million-after-labeling-chinese-made-merchandise-american-made/

    They must not have given the big guy his 10%. Or they are being sacrificed by the FJB administration for election year political optics.

    If you want to anger a chef, lie to them.
    If you want to anger a fast food customer, tell them the truth.

    Like

  18. “ATF’s poorly trained ‘operators’ are a threat to public safety — The training course for ATF’s Special Response Team is only two weeks long.”

    LEE WILLIAMS, APR 29, 2024

    ATF Agents qualify with handguns during the two-week course to become member of ATF’s Special Response Team. (Screenshot courtesy ATF.gov)

    EXCERPT: “Selection, training and leadership are vital to any special operations team, regardless of their size or mission parameters. The more rigorous the selection process, the more comprehensive the training, the more professional the leadership, the better the unit will perform.

    Delta Force’s Operators Training Course, for example, is six months long, and teaches advanced CQB, precision marksmanship, counterterrorism and a host of esoteric skills needed by Delta operators to meet their worldwide mission requirements. OTC is only open to candidates who survive Delta’s arduous Selection and Assessment phase.

    DEVGRU’s Green Team selection and training course is also six months long, and only Navy SEALs who have completed BUDS and spent at last five years on an SDV or SEAL team can apply.

    MARSOC Raider candidates must complete a nine-month course, known as the Marine Special Operations Individual Course, or ITC. MARSOC Officers must also attend a four-week Team Commanders Course after they graduate ITC.

    Army Special Forces candidates can spend six months to two years training before they earn an SF tab and a Green Beret, and the pipeline for Air Force special operators can take 15 months to two years.

    Special Agents who want to join the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team must pass the New Operator Training School, which is 10 months long and extremely easy to fail.

    United States Secret Service Counter Assault Team (CAT) members undergo a two-week selection course and then a seven-week basic training program. Secret Service snipers must pass a one-week selection process and then a 10-week sniper training course.

    Candidates for Border Patrol’s Tactical Unit (BORTAC) undergo a three-week selection course and then a six-week training course before being assigned to a sector team. After a year, they can apply to join BORTAC’s elite national team.

    By comparison, training for ATF’s Special Response Teams takes only two weeks, and ATF agents call themselves “operators” after they’ve completed the course.

    Candidates participate in the “leadership” portion of the two-week ATF SRT course. (Screenshot courtesy ATF.gov)

    Poor leadership

    ATF refers to its SRT teams as “elite tactical groups.” According to a September 2020 report from the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) titled “Federal Tactical Teams: Characteristics, Training, Deployments, and Inventory,” ATF’s Special Response Team was created in 1989 and has 114 members. From 2015 to 2019, the SRT was deployed 886 times. More than 85% of the deployments were to execute arrest and/or search warrants….”

    https://thegunwriter.substack.com/p/poorly-trained-atf-operators-are

    Liked by 1 person

    1. i agree. being able to pass screenings (health and emotional) plus weapons training should be required not just to be an atf agent–but it should be required to be repeated –a recertification if you will.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. These women are crazy!!! Good grief! What will they think of next?!?!

    Women seeking ‘vampire facial’ youth treatment contracted HIV at New Mexico beauty salon

    Four women contracted HIV after receiving a “vampire facial” at a beauty salon and spa in New Mexico, the CDC announced. 

    A vampire facial is a cosmetic procedure that uses the patient’s own blood to improve facial skin tone and texture. 

    The CDC said this is the first known instance of the virus being transmitted through cosmetic injection services, according to its report released on Thursday. 

    The agency launched an investigation into VIP Beauty Salon and Spa in Albuquerque after multiple women tested positive for HIV, which was linked back to them receiving vampire facials at the establishment. 

    Investigators found unwrapped needles and unlabeled syringes scattered throughout the spa, and it is believed that patients were infected with HIV via the spa sharing needles. 

    Three women contracted HIV from the spa in 2018, while a fourth woman became infected with the virus in 2019, which resulted in a man contracting HIV after he had sex with her, according to the report. — The Post Millennial

    Our Take: “I remember years ago, when I first learned about ‘vampire facials,’ being horrified at the entire concept. I hate needles and blood makes me woozy, so this process was less appealing to me than back alley Botox.

    Vanity is a seductive bitch, and women will entertain the ridiculous in pursuit of her. Apparently, they’ll even risk AIDS. Yikes.

    To be fair, I don’t think these 60+ salon goers consented to being injected with HIV, but I equally doubt they checked the salon’s references or vetted its procedural standards. For example, unsanitary syringes lying around would have been a red flag and, according to the CDC, there were used needles all over the place.

    If you’re looking for a reputable place to have a vampire facial done, first ask yourself why — seriously, why do you want to jam a bunch of needles into your face in pursuit of vanity?

    If you’re still intent after such self reflection, research reputable providers and insist upon a sterile set of needles. If that fails, and you still get AIDS, do not — I repeat, do not — take AZT. That’s damn near worse for you than AIDS.

    For what it’s worth, I think you’re stunning without the Luciferian beauty ritual.” — Ashe in America

    Liked by 1 person

    1. been there!^^^^^

      do you remember butter ever being so hard? 

      grandmom had hers in a butter dish that sat out on the counter from the time she got up till after breakfast–she never cared if the package said keep refrigerated 

      Liked by 1 person

          1. Just one example….it’s nice and smooth, easy to spread. As to how it’s made….

            EXCERPT: “Whipped butter is simply real butter that’s been whipped with a mixer to incorporate air making it lighter, fluffier and easier to spread.

            When I’m serving a loaf of homemade bread or rolls with a meal, I try to remember to put my butter out to room temperature first. But, in the business of life, it’s easy to forget. Then I’m left trying to spread cold butter on my bread which almost always results in torn bread or big clumps of hard butter.

            Even when I do remember to soften my butter before serving it, it’s sometimes stubborn and ends up difficult to spread. Whipped butter spreads evenly and smoothly on the bread every time. No more ripped bread!

            Then, there’s the taste. Something about whipping the butter alters the texture in a way that makes it taste like biting into a buttery cloud. Whipping butter also increases its volume so you get more bang for your butter buck!”…..

            https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/how-to-make-whipped-butter/

            Liked by 1 person

          2. How To Make Whipped Butter

            This couldn’t be easier to make. Once you realize how simple it is, you’ll never serve plain butter with your bread basket again.

            To make whipped butter you need:

            • ½ a cup butter, softened to room temperature
            • 2 tablespoons milk (or water)

            In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the softened butter for a minute or two. Add in the milk or water and continue mixing until combined and fluffy.

            I like the creaminess that using milk adds to the butter, but water works just fine too. Salted butter is usually my preferred butter to use in this recipe.

            If you opt for unsalted butter just add a pinch of salt when you whip in the milk. Whichever butter you use will turn out delicious.

            Liked by 1 person

              1. No doubt! LOL – ah, the memories….no more of that for me. If I do get a dog, it will be an older one that’s already trained.

                Liked by 1 person

  24. “I’m sure the cat’s owners aren’t stoners, ’cause even a fuckin’ stoner woulda noticed that the box was 12 pounds heavier with the cat in it. The cat somehow magically disappeared from her home in Utah earlier this month – prompting widespread searches for the beloved missing moggie. (Just so ya know moggie is a word used by Brits to describe a cat, especially one that does not have a pedigree or is otherwise unremarkable.)

     She was ‘rescued’ by an Amazon worker nearly a week after jumping into one of the family’s packages undetected. The cat was in good health despite having had no food or water for days. The rest of this cat’s tail is here”: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68918102

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Preliminary reports are EF-3 for the tornadoes that caused the most damage but that isn’t specific, just overall.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. did you read where Dubai admitted to trying to mess with the weather–when they created all that rain they got? it’s being done all over imo.
      wonder if these tornadoes were meant to distract from something else?

      Liked by 1 person

  27. “Nebraska couple loses home to tornado three weeks after moving in. Elkhorn, Nebraska resident Jason Sunday on surviving the tornado that destroyed his home and plans to rebuild” — veteran, served 2 tours; the roof was completely blown away, haven’t even found it yet, not even one shingle was found on his property.

    https://www.foxnews.com/video/6351976985112

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Just The News: “President Joe Biden is the least popular commander-in-chief at this time in his term compared to any other president on record since Dwight D. Eisenhower, according to a new poll.

    With a 38.7% average job approval rating during his 13th quarter in office, Biden’s approval rating is lower than any of the previous nine elected presidents at this time in their term, according to a poll released Friday by Gallup. George H.W. Bush previously held the record for the lowest 13th-quarter approval rating, which stood at 41.8% in 1992.

    Meanwhile, Biden’s likely 2024 opponent, former President Donald Trump, had an approval rating of 46.8% at this time of his presidency. 

    This survey was conducted April 1-22 with a random sample of 1,001 U.S. adults, and it has a 4% margin of error. Biden’s approval rating may be even lower, however. 

    A Quinnipiac University poll released last week showed Biden’s approval rating at 35%. The results may indicate that Biden will have a difficult time running for reelection this fall against Trump.”

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Just The News: “Congressman Bill Posey, R-Fla., announced that he will be retiring from office, adding him to the list of House lawmakers not seeking re-election.

    “It has been the greatest honor of Katie’s and my life to represent you in Congress,” Posey wrote in a statement on Friday. “And, polls suggest that because of YOUR support, I could remain in the job forever, and we were looking forward to another spirited campaign for a final term in office. However, earlier this week circumstances beyond my control now require me to suspend my re-election campaign.”

    Posey has represented Florida’s 8th Congressional District since 2008. He said that his main priority is helping former President Donald Trump get elected in 2024.

    According to The Hill, there are 12 Democratic House members retiring from office and 17 Republicans. There are 12 more Democratic House members running for other offices, and five House Republicans doing the same.

    Posey said his goal was to have former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos take his seat. “For many years, Mike has served as my Congressional Finance Committee Chairman, while I have mentored him to replace me,” Posey stated. “Mike was, and remains, my first choice to represent you, me, and our district in Congress.”

    Three of the 17 retiring Republican representatives have already left office: Mike Gallagher, Wisc., Ken Buck, Colo., and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Calif., leaving the GOP with a one-vote majority in the House.” 

    Liked by 1 person

  30. so this asswipe LIED about being fired at…over the radio…so other cops thought they would be under attack too?

    Observer SC
    Observer SC
    April 29, 2024 10:54 am

    Here is an update on the J6 videos being released. Also a very detailed account of Ashli Babbit’s shooting and death AND the incredible response Officer Byrd elicited by stating on radio that he was “taking fire” and was responding. So, all the law enforcement peeps thought the Capitol was under attack and responded accordingly.

    https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/new-jan-6-details-emerge-from-20000-hours-of-newly-posted-video-5639254

    Also, it shows that 20k hours have been released so far. They are being uploaded to Rumble.

    Liked by 1 person

  34. Just The News: “Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced a lawsuit on Monday against President Biden’s Department of Education over the new Title IX rule.

    “Today, I am announcing that we have officially filed a lawsuit against the United States Department of Education, to save Title IX and protect and the myriad of interests threatened by these new regulations,” she wrote on X on Monday.

    Murrill described the rule as “regulatory overreach.” She said the department’s final rule will “gut the very essence of Title IX and destroy decades of advances in equal educational opportunities, especially for women and girls.”

    Murrill also said that “the consequences will be shocking and severe. Boys and girls will be forced to share bathrooms, locker rooms, and perhaps even lodging on overnight field trips with members of the opposite sex.”

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Texas too!

      Troublemaker10

      April 29, 2024 1:08 pm

      Texas files the first lawsuit. Expect other red states to add on…

      —

      Attor­ney Gen­er­al Ken Pax­ton Sues Biden Admin­is­tra­tion for Unlaw­ful­ly Using Title IX to Man­date Rad­i­cal Gen­der Ide­ol­o­gy, Vio­lat­ing Con­sti­tu­tion and Putting Women At Risk

      https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-sues-biden-administration-unlawfully-using-title-ix-mandate-radical

      Liked by 1 person

  40. Watching an episode of TreeHouse Masters….cammo treehouses! Imagine in spring and summer, when all the leaves are out!

    👆👆👆 This is the one from the show I just watched.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. This one is in TX, I believe. He does treehouses all over the world, but mostly various US states. He lives in WA state.

        Liked by 1 person

  41. Just The News: “In landmark guidance, the federal commission created to fight racial and sexual discrimination declared Monday that employers that fail to use a worker’s preferred pronoun or refuse them the chance to use the restroom of their choice will be engaging in prohibited harassment.

    The U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission published the new harassment guidelines Monday after voting along partisan lines on Friday to approve them, even in the face of opposition from nearly two dozen red states. Three Democrat appointees approved the rules while two Republicans opposed them.

    The new document elevates gender identity as a protected class under discrimination laws like race, sex and religion. Prohibited harassment includes “repeated and intentional use of a name or pronoun inconsistent with the individual’s known gender identity (misgendering) or the denial of access to a bathroom or other sex-segregated facility consistent with the individual’s gender identity,” the new regulatory document declared.

    You can read the document here.

    Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in t…qual Employment Opportunity Commission.pdf

    The guidance includes a hypothetical example of the sort of conduct that will be prohibited in workplaces gong forward.

    “Chloe, a purchase order coordinator at a retail store warehouse, is approached by her supervisor, Alton, who asks whether she was ‘born a man’ because he had heard a rumor that ‘there was a transvestite in the department.’ Chloe disclosed to Alton that she is transgender and asked him to keep this information confidential,” the regulatory document states. “After this conversation, Alton instructed Chloe to wear pants to work because a dress would be ‘inappropriate,’ despite other purchase order coordinators being permitted to wear dresses and skirts.

    “Alton also asks inappropriate questions about Chloe’s anatomy and sexual relationships. Further, whenever Alton is frustrated with Chloe, he misgenders her by using, with emphasis, “he/him” pronouns, sometimes in front of Chloe’s coworkers. Based on these facts, Alton’s harassing conduct toward Chloe is based on her gender identity,” the document states.

    EEOC Chairwoman  Charlotte A. Burrows argued the changes were necessitated by the Supreme Court’s Bostock v. Clayton decision in 2020 that found that a company would be in violation of Title VII anti-discrimination laws if it fired a worker “simply for being … transgender.”

    But 20 Republican state attorneys general told the EEOC last November that the agency’s efforts to impose restrictions on pronouns and bathrooms were not authorized by the ruling or by any action of Congress. “Bostock gives no license to these and other of EEOC’s novel proposals,” the attorneys generals wrote.

    You can read that letter here. AGsBostockLetter.pdf

    Liked by 1 person

  46. stickers and flags and paint deface George Washington Statue at DC University.

    break up the camp and dispel these pigs. defacing statues is destruction of property and should be grounds for expulsion and criminal charges.

    STOP CODDLING THESE POS!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  47. it is almost 90* outside! we turned on the air…
    we’ve seen a male and a female hummer and male and female orioles so far.
    AND…a deer swimming in the pond. he helps with the biting flies in the heat

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Our clouds blew away – for now anyway – and we finally made it to 69, with a stiff breeze. It’s just nice to see the sun again! Still no Orioles here yet.

      Liked by 1 person

  50. now that Mom knows she’s not diabetic, I can make her favorite treats again. today I made chocolate peanut butter fudge. I’ll cut a bunch and put it in a freezer container so she can eat a piece or two whenever she wants. I also bought her a bag of 3 Musketeers–her favorite– to put in the fridge. she’ll have treats the entire summer…lol.

    Liked by 1 person

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