The order Phallales is a group of fungi commonly known as stinkhorns, recognized for their distinctive, often phallic-shaped fruiting bodies and strong, unpleasant odor. This odor attracts insects, which help disperse the fungal spores, making them highly specialized for reproduction via animal vectors rather than wind. Phallales are typically saprotrophic, feeding on decaying organic matter in soil or wood, and are found worldwide, especially in tropical and temperate regions. They display rapid growth, sometimes emerging fully within hours, and their unique morphology and ecological role make them an important component of nutrient cycling in ecosystems.