What is this orange colour plant?

sandeepsmehta

Hello,

I have orange colour growing wierd plant in my front garden space. Please see attached pics. It attracts too many bees. I am not sure what this is and if this is beneficial or harmful.

Can someone suggest what is this and how to prevent it from growing?

Thanks.

Sandeep

MitchellMc

Interesting @sandeepsmehta. 

I haven't personally encountered this plant before, but my identification process leads me towards Lysurus mokusin-lantern stinkhorn. The outer surface of the arms is coated by a brownish, slimy, foul-smelling spore mass called the gleba; its fetid odour helps it attract flies and other insects to assist in spore dispersal. The odour has been compared to fresh dog feces, rotting flesh or sewage. Sounds pleasant. Here's the Wiki article if you're interested.

It's a beneficial plant in its own right and plays a part in the ecosystem, though if the number of bees visiting it is causing danger, you might consider removing the plants.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell