The top photo shows the stinkhorn fungus in the "egg" stage. These big round 'eggs' emerge from the ground, or here, the bark mulch, and in a short time grow up to about 10 or 12 inches. Second photo shows one of the fungi beginning to emerge. They are called stinkhorn because of the smell which is often likened to a dead animal! It attracts many flies which then help spread the spores to new locations.