Phallic fungus releases 'hormone-like compounds' to excite with a single sniff

An as yet unnamed species of bright orange mushroom that grows on volcanic slopes has long been rumoured to possess potent properties.

Researchers have discovered the 'fetid odour' of the fungus can trigger spontaneous climaxes in females.

The mushrooms were discovered growing on lava deposits dating back 600 and 10,000 years.

It is thought they belong to the genus Dictyophora, a family of mushrooms that bear distinctive net-like heads.

In a brief study, published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms in 2001, John Holliday of Next Laboratories in Kula, Hawaii and Noah Soule of Aloha Medicinals tested the mushroom's aphrodisiac effect.

In a small experiment involving 16 women and 20 men, volunteers were asked to sniff the mushroom, which is said to have a 'fetid odour'.

Its smell triggered spontaneous orgasms in six of the women, while the other 10, who received smaller doses, experienced an increase in heart rate, Snopes.com reported.  

The study explained: 'There are significant sexual arousal characteristics present in the fetid odour of this unique mushroom.

'These results suggest that the hormone like compounds present in the volatile portion of the spore mass may have some similarity to human neurotransmitters during sexual encounters.'

However, commentators have noted that it was just one study and more work is needed to confirm the fungi's seemingly spectacular powers. 

Interestingly Dictyophora mushrooms - also known as 'veiled ladies' - grow length so quickly that they can 'bloom' in just 45 minutes. 

It is thought that the mushrooms produce the potent smells in order to reproduce.

Another mushroom from the same family, named Dictyophora indusiata, emits an unpleasant smell similar to faeces.

(dailymail.co.uk)