Xylaria polymorpha is also known as “dead man’s finger fungus” or “ghost hand fungus” due to its strange shape like discolored fingers, turning dry and gray-green. Foresters were startled when they accidentally saw this mushroom growing from the ground.

The “ghost hand” mushroom usually grows from the base of rotting trees, is about 2.5 cm in diameter, 3 – 10 cm high with a hard stem and round head.

This is a native mushroom in areas of Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern India. Occasionally, they are also seen in parts of the United States including the Rocky Mountains.

When they first grow, their tips are white just like human fingernails. But as time goes on, they gradually turn gray-green, then black and rot.

Despite its strange appearance, this mushroom is actually quite useful. They use the enzyme system to decompose organic matter and dry branches and leaves into humus, minerals, and complex organic substances into simple ones, thereby helping to increase soil fertility.

The survival time of this fungus is not too long. When they turn black, they begin to have an unpleasant odor because of decomposition. Fortunately, due to its scary appearance, usually no one dares to risk trying to eat this mushroom.

In addition, in Australia there is also a native mushroom that is equally scary. It is a mushroom that looks like a hand and smells like rotten meat. Its scientific name is Clathrus archeri.

When they first grow, they are shaped like a clasped hand. But when they mature, they radiate like fingers and have a strange bright red color. After the branches separate, the mushroom turns bright red, with “fingers” stretching up to 10 cm in length.

Although the ingredients in this mushroom are not toxic, no one dares to try it because the shape is scary and the smell is very unpleasant. Researchers say that because they secrete a smell like rotting meat, they help repel small insects and birds, but attract flies.