Mystery Fungus in New Zealand Lawn: Stinkhorn?

A NZ gardener found a white, plastic-like, hollow, soccer-ball-patterned, slimey, smelly growth in winter lawn.

Likely: Stinkhorn Fungus (Phallaceae)

• **Egg stage** = white "ball" in ground.
• **Mature** = phallic shape with foul slime (attracts flies for spore dispersal).
• **Smell** = rotting meat.

Action

**Bag and dispose** (don't compost). Take sample to **local garden center, ag extension, or exterminator** for exact ID. NZ has unique fungi.