Immature Clathrus transvaalensis fruitbodies (phalloid "eggs") were discovered following heavy rains in the Transvaal, South Africa, on the grounds of a country club in Pretoria.

Because the eggs, laying in grass, were in danger of being trampled by golfers, they were transferred to a laboratory where they were incubated and covered with moist paper towel to prevent desiccation.

The type specimen, collected on 16 February 1989, is held at the herbarium of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

[2] Fruitbodies of Clathrus transvaalensis originate from a smooth, whitish, egg-shaped structure measuring up to 4.5 cm (1.8 in) in diameter.

The tubular "arms" of the receptacles are pale yellow near the base, gradually changing to pinkish in the upper third.