They are known for their foul-smelling, sticky spore masses, or gleba, borne on the end of a stalk called the receptaculum.

The characteristic fruiting-body structure, a single, unbranched receptaculum with an externally attached gleba on the upper part, distinguishes the Phallaceae from other families in the Phallales.

Fruiting bodies originate as a gelatinous, spherical, or egg-shaped structure that may be completely or partially buried underground.

[5] This porous mushroom is among the fastest growing in the world, extending by 5 mm per minute, so fast that a crackling sound can be heard.

[7] The fertile portion of the fruiting body is often borne on the end of a wide, fleshy or spongy stalk (as in the Phallales), which may be cylindrical, star-shaped, or reticulate (forming a network).

The spores are usually ellipsoid or cylindrical in shape, hyaline or pale brown, smooth, more or less smooth-walled, and truncated at the base.

[8] The gelatinous layer of the stinkhorn (Clathrus ruber) contains high concentrations of potassium, calcium, manganese, and iron.

The calcium found in the gelatinous layer contributes to the slimy characteristics of the gel and protects the carpophore during growth.

This scent profile supports the assumption that the stinkhorn mimics fly brood sites and food sources.