Reddit user shares photo of foul-smelling mysterious fungi in Mount Nebo

Described as something that looks like it ‘should be in the Upside Down’, the mysterious fungi befuddled internet users.

A strange, alien-like fungus that smells like “rotting flesh” has baffled Reddit users after a hiker discovered it while on a mountain near Brisbane.

User Aus556762 was in Mount Nebo in the West Moreton region when he stumbled across the red specimen before taking to the online forum.

Reddit users were quick to comment, saying it looked “like something out of Resident Evil” or belonged “in the Upside Down” (a reference to the Netflix show Stranger Things).

But, some helpful users told the original poster it was a stinkhorn, better known by the scientific name Aseroe rubra.

The anemone fungi pops up during Brisbane’s wet winters following rain and humidity.

A photo shared by Reddit user aus556762 shows the mysterious, foul-smelling fungi he found in Mount Nebo near Brisbane.

According to the Queensland Museum, the starfish-looking fungi begin as “egg-like structures” partly buried beneath the soil of parks, gardens and bushlands and form stalks up to 10cm high with up to 10 red arms.

“Stinkhorns are certainly well named. Unlike many flowers that produce fragrant aromas and sweet nectar rewards to lure pollinating insects, stinkhorns emit the foul odour of faeces or rotting flesh,” the Queensland Museum said.

“It is highly unlikely that any sensible person would seriously consider eating one of these smelly fungi, and there are no known cases of human consumption.

“However, deaths of small dogs are recorded, and the fungi are believed to contain irritant toxins.”

The stinkhorn is categorised as toxic category 2 by Queensland Health, who urge anyone who ingests the fungus to seek urgent medical attention.

Originally published as Reddit user shares photo of foul-smelling mysterious fungi in Mount Nebo