16 Most Bizarre Mushroom And Fungi Species In The World

With about 14,000 described mushrooms currently inhabiting dank forest floors, decaying tree trunks, and dung piles, there are bound to be some strange-looking varieties. Some depart entirely from the toadstool silhouette—the stereotypical rounded-cap-atop-a-stem set—with lengthy hairlike spines, fanning shell shapes, flower-esque pedals, and lattice designs. Others that lack uniqueness in shape are fantastic in their royal blue, indigo, and even bioluminescent colors.

Also known as Black Jelly Roll, this strange mushroom might have magical powers. Growing singly or in clusters on dead trees — typically oak, hazel, or beech — this bizarre mushroom appears gelatinous in its consistency. It appears to melt in wetter weather and hardens when dry, meaning it is a hardy grower most everywhere on the globe, though particularly in North America and Europe. Also known as Black Jelly Roll or Warty Jelly Fungus for its appearance, another possible origin for its witchier name may be in its supposed power in counteracting witchcraft if thrown into a fire.