This mushroom is believed to be the penis of a real ghost or spirit. As it matures and begins to decay it gives off a pungent mushroomy odor which can be smelled at some distance. When people smell this odor they speak bravely and firmly to it believing that this will make the ghost go away: “If you act bravely and insult it it will go away afraid (manzhasha rin). “
Amita ceremonialis Kichwa: aya ullu (ghost penis)