ID anyone?

Hello~

Although I'm an oldie on DG, I'm a newbie when it comes to fungus. The other day I noticed this growing among my perennials. It felt slightly sticky and stunk to high heaven, especially the brown tip. I pulled it out and it shriveled up within hours. Their was no root, just a covering of hair-like strands or "roots" attached to the underside.

Anyone have an idea of what this is? I'm willing to do the homework if someone can point me in the right direction. Sorry for the blurry picture, I don't have closeup ability on my camera. Thank you!!

Another shot with flash. Again, sorry for the blur.

This message was edited Aug 5, 2009 6:05 PM

It's a Stinkhorn Fungi. Maybe Lysurus mokusin.

Thank you so much! I really didn't think I was going to get a response, let alone one so quickly.

They are fascinating aren't they? You were lucky to catch it with the brown tip intact as the flies usually descend quickly to eat it up.