Home / Environment / Rare 'Devil's Fingers' Fungus Discovered in Dartmoor, Smells of Rotting Flesh
Rare 'Devil's Fingers' Fungus Discovered in Dartmoor, Smells of Rotting Flesh
11 Oct
Summary
- Rare alien-looking fungus found in Dartmoor, UK
- Invasive species native to New Zealand and Australia
- Emits strong, unpleasant odor of rotting flesh
On October 11, 2025, a rare and alien-looking fungus known as the 'Octopus Stinkhorn' or 'Devil's Fingers' was discovered by a hiker in Dartmoor, UK. The invasive species, native to New Zealand and Australia, is characterized by its striking red 'tentacles' that emerge from the ground and a strong, unpleasant odor reminiscent of rotting flesh.
The fungus, officially called Clathrus archeri, was spotted by Becky Harrison and her walking instructor, Martin Williams, during a hike near Merrivale. Ms. Harrison described the discovery as a 'wow' moment, even though the fungus was smaller than she had expected, about the size of her hand.
The 'Devil's Fingers' fungus is believed to have first arrived in Europe around 1914, likely introduced through military supplies during World War I. Since then, it has spread to various parts of the UK, including Cornwall, Bedfordshire, Hampshire, Kent, Suffolk, and Surrey.
The olive-brown goo, called 'gelba,' produced by the fungus is used to attract insects, which then spread the spores on the fungus's 'arms.' While the fungus is not poisonous to humans, it can be dangerous for dogs if ingested, potentially causing stomach upset, vomiting, and even organ damage.
