New Mushroom Species Discovered in Western Ghats

• 06 Nov 2023

Recently, a delicate, small mushroom characterized by a honey-yellow "cap" found on the campus of the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) in Palode, Kerala, has been recognized as a new species.

Key Points

• Fresh Biodiversity Discovery: Researchers at JNTBGRI have identified a new species of mushroom belonging to the genus Candolleomyces, which is relatively small with only 35 recognized species worldwide.
• Candolleomyces albosquamosus: The newfound species, named "Candolleomyces albosquamosus," derives its name from the white woolly scale-like structures on its "pileus" or cap. It is characterized by its diminutive size, reaching a height of approximately 58 mm.
• The cap measures 12 mm to 38.5 mm in diameter, is bell-shaped, and starts as honey-yellow but turns brownish-gray or brownish-beige as it matures. The "stipe" or stem is cylindrical and white.
• Habitat: Candolleomyces albosquamosus is typically found on dead logs or bamboo culms in natural forests.
• Several specimens were collected from the JNTBGRI campus, which is part of the Western Ghats in Kerala.
• Importance of Mushrooms: Mushrooms, including Candolleomyces albosquamosus, are considered secondary saprophytic fungi in forest ecosystems, playing a vital role in decomposing plant litter.
• This function is particularly significant in tropical forests, known for their extensive plant litter turnover compared to temperate forests.
• Rich Fungal Diversity in Western Ghats: The Western Ghats region in Kerala is known for its rich fungal diversity, with many species likely to be endemic to the area.
• Herbarium Deposits: Specimens of the new mushroom species have been deposited in the Mycological Herbarium of JNTBGRI.