Mother Nature is full of unexpected wonders, and one of its more bizarre creations is the Clathrus archeri mushroom, often referred to as «devil’s fingers.» This unusual organism is as eerie as it sounds.
The moment you lay eyes on it, you’ll instantly know why it has such a creepy reputation. Native to New Zealand, Tasmania, and Australia, the «fingers» of this mushroom resemble a living creature rather than anything remotely fungal.
What sets it apart from other mushrooms is the way it comes into the world. Unlike most mushrooms that emerge directly from the soil, Clathrus archeri starts life in a sac that resembles an egg. Watching it break free from its shell is enough to give anyone the chills. Once the sac bursts, 4 to 8 tentacle-like appendages sprout from within.
The mushroom’s striking pink, pimpled surface, paired with its unique odor, attracts flies. These insects then carry the spores, helping the fungus reproduce and spread.
