Identification: Please me identify this freaky plant

Every spring and summer, these strange looking things grow in my garden. They grow a couple of inches overnight and consist of an orange spongy substance with brown goo on the tip. They open and the top pops off. They are hollow inside. They are typically 2-4 inches tall when they peak and die within 48-72 hours. Can anyone please tell me what they are? They are so freaky looking.

Here is a fully grown one:

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/8840/img1144ao4.jpg

And here is one after the top pops off:

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/1056/img1145mz1.jpg

Please help me, thank you.

 

Lysurus mokusin, I believe.

 

Yes, you are correct. Thank you so much for identifying these things. Our family and friends have been puzzled by them for years.