AUSTIN, Texas — East of the Permian Basin, located in the Zilker Park in Austin City limits, a strange organism has stirred up quite a bit of noise.
This organism is actually the State Fungi of Texas, commonly known as the Texas Star Mushroom or the Devil's Cigar.
This mushroom releases a strange hissing noise as it releases its spores as part of its reproductive function.
As its spores are released, it gives out a hissing noise and air releases. It's difficult to encounter these instances of hissing but if you get lucky, you may just get to hear it, especially this time of year.
The hissing isn't the only feature that makes this mushroom unique, the shape of the mushroom itself is also remarkable. Instead of having the form of a normal mushroom you may find in your backyard, this mushroom is in the shape of a pointed star, hence its name.
These mushrooms are most commonly found in the Austin area and in parts of North Texas.
Aside from Texas, Japan is the only other place you'll find this fungi.