This morning, I went to water the flowers when a foul, metallic odor hit me. My chest tightened. Near the flowerbed, something red and slimy moved—like flesh turned inside out. The stench of rot was unbearable. Heart pounding, I snapped a photo and searched online.
The answer chilled me: Anthurus archeri—the “devil’s fingers” mushroom. Native to Australia, it bursts from a white egg, spreading red tentacles coated in foul slime to attract flies. Its stench mimics death, helping it scatter spores.
People often mistake it for an alien or carcass. I can see why.
Now, I steer clear of that corner of the yard. Whatever nature created there, it feels wiser—and safer—not to disturb the devil’s gift.
