Nature's Freak Show

Nature’s Freak Show:

Plants and mushrooms that are truly bizarre

Have you ever been out in the woods and come across somethin’ that just stops you in your tracks? Like that Bleeding Tooth Fungus—oozing red drops like it’s got a wound, or those Dead Man’s Fingers stickin’ up from the ground like they’re reachin’ for you. Each one’s got its own tale too—like Judas’ Ear shaped like a human ear, tied to old stories of betrayal, or the red, splayed Devil’s Fingers that folks say hint at trouble. But even with their spooky looks, these so-called “freaks of nature” play an important part in the wild. So, are they nature’s way of sending a message, or just part of the mystery?

Take the Bleeding Tooth Fungus (Hydnellum peckii), for instance. Imagine coming across this pale, toothy little growth, the surface covered with deep red droplets that look unsettlingly like blood. It’s all because of a process called guttation, where the fungus releases extra moisture. But when you see it for the first time, you can’t help but feel like you’ve stumbled upon something the old folks might’ve whispered about as a sign of dark energy or a place touched by ill fate.

Then there’s Judas’ Ear (Auricularia auricula-judae), sprouting right there on a decaying tree trunk. It gets its name from the story of Judas, who betrayed Jesus and took his own life beneath an elder tree. According to legend, these ear-shaped mushrooms began growing as a reminder of his betrayal. It’s almost like the past isn’t as far away as we like to think. And yet, despite its eerie association, this mushroom has a long history in traditional cooking and medicine.

Now, if you’re walkin’ through the woods and suddenly see those Dead Man’s Fingers (Xylaria polymorpha) poking up from the ground, it’s no wonder people thought they were the restless hands of the dead. In reality, though, these fungi are nature’s cleanup crew, helping break down old wood and turning what’s past into what’s yet to come.

And then there’s Devil’s Fingers (Clathrus archeri), which unfurls bright red, tentacle-like fingers from its egg-like cocoon, giving off a smell that’ll make you scrunch up your nose. Old stories linked these to signs of misfortune or even evil spirits, and standing there with that stench in the air, it’s easy to see why.

There’s another curious one called Witches’ Butter (Tremella mesenterica). This bright yellow, jelly-like fungus shows up on old wood after a rain, and folks used to say witches left it behind after casting spells. They believed it was a sign that a curse had been laid, but the truth is, it’s just nature doing what nature does best—taking what’s old and turning it into something new.

When we talk about strange, we can’t forget the Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum). It’s known for its enormous bloom and that strong, putrid smell, like something died. Different cultures have linked it to omens of death, but the reality is a bit more straightforward: that awful scent attracts the right pollinators, and life moves on in its own way.

And then there’s the unassuming yet dangerous Poison Pie (Hebeloma crustuliniforme). It looks pretty ordinary, but its toxic bite has earned it a dark reputation. Folks said witches once used it in potions to stir up trouble. Whether that’s true or not, it’s certainly a mushroom you don’t want to mess with.

One of the strangest sights you might find in the woods is the Dog Vomit Slime Mold (Fuligo septica). The name alone is enough to turn your stomach, but it’s actually not a fungus—it’s a primitive organism that just shows up to help break down decaying stuff. Old tales said its sudden appearance was a sign of a hex, but maybe it’s just another reminder of how nature keeps everything in balance.

And if you’re lookin’ for trouble, you might find it in Satan’s Bolete (Rubroboletus satanas), with its bright red cap and thick, swollen stem. People thought it was a temptation straight from the devil himself, but maybe it’s just a cautionary tale wrapped up in red.

As you wander, you might come across Dead Man’s Toes (Xylaria polymorpha) poking up from the dirt like skeletal toes. Superstition says stepping on them invites a restless spirit to follow you home. It’s probably just a story, but sometimes it’s good to tread lightly.

The Trumpet of the Dead (Craterellus cornucopioides) is another find that’s got a bit of mystery to it. Also called the Black Trumpet, it’s actually a delicacy, but its ghostly name comes from stories that these were the trumpets blown to call the dead. Funny how something so delicate can have such a heavy reputation.

If anything sounds straight out of a horror movie, it’s the Zombie Fungus (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis). This fungus takes over ants’ minds, forcing them to climb high before sprouting right out of their heads. It’s no wonder people spun tales of curses and dark magic—it’s like something nature dreamed up to remind us of her wild imagination.

There’s another curious little thing called the Devil’s Snuff-box (Lycoperdon perlatum). When disturbed, it releases a puff of spores like smoke, and long ago, people believed breaking one open could release a curse into the air. The name alone hints at the old superstitions that surrounded it.

And then there’s the Mandrake Root, which looks so much like a little twisted person that it’s no wonder people believed it could scream when pulled from the ground. Old tales said its scream was deadly, but really, it’s just a plant that captured a lot of imaginations.

And finally, there’s Hooker’s Lips (Clathrus ruber). This red fungus looks just like puckered lips, and old folklore said that kissing them would bring bad luck or an ill-fated romance until the next full moon. Sometimes nature’s got a flair for drama, I suppose.

So next time you find yourself wandering through the woods, keep an eye out for these strange wonders. They might seem like something out of a nightmare, but in their own way, they’re all part of nature’s fascinating and mysterious show.