Found in a shady damp area of mulch in front flower bed. Also in back area that is always shady and damp. Looked like eggs, until touch. One piece has been sliced open and the shoot appears to have grown from the egg shaped fungus.
Monotropa uniflora shoots? It doesn't remind me of fungus or lichen. Do you have a pic that's less blurry?
This is some kind of stink horn. Try Mutinus caninus or similar - it's really hard to tell from those photos. Check out http://www.mushroomexpert.com/stinkhorn_fame.html for lots of pictures and match one to the one you have!
