Horrified by a Viscous, Foul-Smelling Red Creature in My Yard: What Was It?

The 'devil's fingers' fungus originates in Australia and often causes panic in those who encounter it for the first time.

A bizarre incident transformed a simple morning of gardening into a moment of pure astonishment. 

While heading out to water the flowers in her backyard, a resident encountered a viscous, reddish creature with a strong odor of decomposing flesh. 

Her initial thought was that it was something dangerous or even of unknown origin — but, in reality, the “intruder” was a rare and frightening fungus: Anthurus archeri, popularly known as “devil's fingers.”

Frightening Appearance in the Garden

The sight was striking. The mushroom, resembling red, slime-covered tentacles, exuded an intense odor reminiscent of carrion. 

“At first, I thought it was a giant larva or some strange creature. My heart raced,” reported the resident, who even searched online to understand what she had found.

By searching for “red viscous mushroom with rotten smell,” she discovered it was not an animal or a threat, but a fungus uncommon in Brazil.

“Devil's Fingers”: An Unexpected Visitor

According to experts, Anthurus archeri is a fungus native to Australia and Tasmania, but it has spread to various parts of the world. 

Initially, it appears as a white “egg.” Over the days, it opens and releases reddish tentacles resembling fingers or claws, producing a strong odor to attract flies — which are responsible for dispersing its spores.

Due to its unusual appearance and intense smell, many people mistake the fungus for animal remains or even something supernatural. 

In some cases, there are reports of calls to the police and fire department. However, it is a natural and harmless phenomenon.

A Natural, Yet Striking Phenomenon

“It's an example of how nature can be surprising — and, at times, frightening,” state mycologists. 

After the discovery, the resident decided to avoid the flowerbed where the mushroom appeared. 

“I prefer not to touch it. Let it stay there. After all, it’s better not to provoke the ‘devil’s gift’,” she joked.

Anthurus archeri poses no direct health risk, but it should be handled with care, preferably with gloves, as it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.