Inconclusive sighting

• Add to collection

Possibly a very immature stinkhorn - or perhaps an immature puffball (but I think that is less likely). The 'roots' are part of the thread-like network that constitutes the perennial part of the fungus (the mycelium). I'd guess that (even though the photo doesn't allow identification of genus) the mycelium would have been breaking down the woodchips and so releasing nutrients into the mulch and soil. If you still have them you could sit them in a layer of mulch in a shallow dish of water and see if a mature stinkhorn erupts in the next few days. Use only enough water to keep the 'roots' in damp mulch, so don't drown the 'eggs'. As they get closer to erupting the 'eggs' get softer.

I will give it a try.