TechElusive fungus rediscovered after 40 years in Chile's forests

Elusive fungus rediscovered after 40 years in Chile's forests

It is small, has a specific black colour, and is "the only species of its kind." The fungus Austroomphaliaster nahuelbutensi has been elusive at least since 1982 and was considered extinct until now because this unique specimen has reappeared.

Mushroom found in the forest, which had not been seen for 40 years
Mushroom found in the forest, which had not been seen for 40 years
Images source: © X
Norbert Garbarek

26 May 2024 08:19

Officially, the fungus Austroomphaliaster nahuelbutensi was discovered in 1982 during the first and only observation of this species. During one of the expeditions to the mountainous forests of southern Chile, it was discovered by microbiologist Norberto Garrido, reports the NewScientist portal. The scientist collected a total of over 200 different species, but one turned out to be special.

Elusive for over 40 years

Named by Garrido as the "great puma" fungus, it was only described a few years later, in 1988. Its unofficial name comes from the place where Austroomphaliaster nahuelbutensi was found – the Nahuelbuta range, which in the local language means "range of large pumas".

Norberto Garrido emphasized the unique colour of the fungus A. nahuelbutensi found in the 1980s. It is a combination of grey-brown with a touch of red – as noted. Its cap has a small depression in the middle and white gills underneath. Generally, A. nahuelbutensi is a relatively small fungus. According to Garrido's findings, it reaches a maximum height of 5 centimetres (approximately 2 inches), and its stem is thicker at the base.

Daniela Torres of the Fungi Foundation in Chile emphasizes how unique this fungus is. – It is the only species of its kind, so it makes it extraordinary – she explains.

Expedition in search

Given how rare the fungus Austroomphaliaster nahuelbutensi is, Daniela Torres' team decided to embark on an expedition to find traces of this unique "inhabitant" of the Chilean forests. The expedition ended positively – scientists found a specimen in the Nahuelbuta range that had been considered extinct until now. At the same time, it is the first time since 1982 that this species has been identified.

Scientists still have a lot of work ahead. First, they must determine what role A. nahuelbutensi plays in the area where it is found. The discovery could also contribute to gaining knowledge about when this species actually appeared on Earth, how numerous its representatives are, and what threats it faces.

Related content
© Daily Wrap
·

Downloading, reproduction, storage, or any other use of content available on this website—regardless of its nature and form of expression (in particular, but not limited to verbal, verbal-musical, musical, audiovisual, audio, textual, graphic, and the data and information contained therein, databases and the data contained therein) and its form (e.g., literary, journalistic, scientific, cartographic, computer programs, visual arts, photographic)—requires prior and explicit consent from Wirtualna Polska Media Spółka Akcyjna, headquartered in Warsaw, the owner of this website, regardless of the method of exploration and the technique used (manual or automated, including the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence programs). The above restriction does not apply solely to facilitate their search by internet search engines and uses within contractual relations or permitted use as specified by applicable law.Detailed information regarding this notice can be found  here.