Phallus multicolor is a species of fungus in the family Phallaceae or "stinkhorns". Species of stinkhorns have gasteroid, or internally produced spores. Like all stinkhorns, the fruit body of C. pusillus begins as an egg-like structure. The eggs become fully grown stinkhorns very rapidly, over a day or two. Stinkhorns have a worldwide distribution, but are especially prevalent in tropical regions. Stinkhorns instead produce a sticky spore mass that has a sharp, sickly-sweet odor of carrion.