M. cani´nus Fr. (Phallus caninus Berk.; Phallus inodorus Sow.) Receptacle elongato-fusiform, cellular, white or rosy. Pileus short, subacute, rugulose, red. Spores cylindrical, involved in green mucus, 3–5×2µ.
In woods and bushy places. Sporophore from ½-¾ in. before the volva is ruptured. When fully evolved 3–4 in. high. Sometimes scentless, at others with a distinct odor, but never so strong and disagreeable as in Ithyphallus impudicus. Massee.
Spores elliptic, 6×4µ Morgan; 3–5×2µ Massee.
New England, Frost; New York, Warne; West Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, McIlvaine.
This species is common. Few old woods are without it. It is conspicuous in color among the brown of the forest carpet. The plant has not the mal-odor of its relations, but is not pleasant. In the egg shape it is gelatinous, tenacious, rather firm, edible and good when sliced and fried.
M. bovi´nus Morg. Volva oblong-ovoid, pinkish, segments 2 or 3. Stem cylindric, tapering gradually to the apex, white or pinkish below, bright red above. Pileus indeterminate, conic-acuminate, perforate at the apex. Spores elliptic-oblong, 4–5×2µ.
Plant 4–7 in. in height, the stem ¾ of an in. in thickness, the volva not much thicker and 1–1½ in. in height; the pileus occupies 1–2 in. of the pointed apex, but is not definitely limited below. This plant has the strong disagreeable odor of other Phalloids.
Growing in rich soil in cultivated grounds and in woods. Morgan.
Common in mixed woods, West Virginia, Pennsylvania. Smell strong, but not so offensive as P. impudicus. Edible in the egg-shape.
M. brevis B. and C.—short. Volva globose or ovoid, segments 2 or 3. Stem bright red, coarsely cribrose, attenuated below. Pileus somewhat broadly clavate, sometimes conical, but always more or less obtuse, perforate at the apex.