Pronunciation: [dˈɒɡ stˈɪŋkhɔːn] (IPA) 
The word "dog stinkhorn" is spelled as /dɔɡ stɪŋkhɔrn/. The first syllable, "dog," is pronounced as /dɔɡ/, with a long "o" sound. The second word, "stinkhorn," has a phonetic transcription of /stɪŋkhɔrn/. The "h" in "horn" is silent, and the "n" at the end is pronounced as /n/. The term "stinkhorn" refers to a type of fungus with a foul odor, while "dog" is simply used to describe the appearance of the mushroom.
The term "dog stinkhorn" refers to a type of fungus scientifically known as Mutinus caninus. It belongs to the Phallaceae family and is characterized by its distinct appearance and foul odor resembling that of decaying animals, particularly dogs. This fungus is commonly found in woodlands, gardens, and other damp habitats.
The appearance of the dog stinkhorn begins with a white "egg" that emerges from the ground, usually buried in leaf litter or decaying wood. As it matures, the egg ruptures and reveals the fruiting body, which resembles a phallic-shaped structure, hence its association with the phallus family of fungi. The fruiting body can grow up to 15 cm in height and is slimy and reddish-orange in color. It features a pointed or conical head at the top, covered in olive-green to olive-brown spore mass.
The unpleasant odor emitted by the dog stinkhorn serves as a mechanism to attract flies and other insects, which aid in the dispersal of its spores. This fungus is a saprobe, meaning it obtains its nutrients from decomposing organic matter in the environment.
While the dog stinkhorn has no significant ecological or economic importance, its distinctive appearance and pungent smell make it an interesting subject for nature enthusiasts and photographers. However, it should be noted that handling this fungus may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, so caution is advisable when encountering it in the wild.
The word "dog stinkhorn" combines two separate terms: "dog" and "stinkhorn".
The term "dog" is believed to come from the Old English word "docga", which referred to a domesticated canine. It has Germanic roots and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Old High German "tohund" and Old Norse "dǫgg" or "doggr".
On the other hand, "stinkhorn" refers to a type of fungus characterized by a foul odor. The word "stinkhorn" is a compound word itself, combining "stink" and "horn". "Stink" is derived from Old English "stincan", meaning "to emit a strong smell". Meanwhile, "horn" refers to the shape of the fungus, which often resembles a horn or phallus-like structure.
