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Phallus indusiatus

Family:

Fungii (Phallaceae)

Kichwa:

Aya ullu

Spanish:

Velo de Novia

This mushroom is called "Ghost Penis" in Kichwa because it looks like a penis adorned in the lace that might be used to dress the dead. 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). “

Talking about Aya ullu

Speech to a Ghost Penis designed to scare it away. Estefania Aguinda Cerda. Translated by Tod Swanson

You stand there straining things. You smell bad. You stand there with no shame wanting to make children sick with wind sickness. I want to cut you with a machete chak! chak!

Kichwa language address to the Ghost Penis

Shushungalla shayangui. Irusta asnangui. Puingui illakta shayangui wawauna wayrachisha nisha. Gustu chak chak machetewa picasha.

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