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2 clusters · 12 sources · 4 days · First seen · Last updated

Discovery of Dianjunus rex fungus in China

Overview

Researchers from the Kunming Institute of Botany have identified a new, massive mushroom species named ‘Dianjunus rex’ in the tropical and subtropical forests of Yunnan province, China. The species is characterized by its distinct upright, fleshy structure and large reproductive structures, known as stromata, which can reach heights of 50 centimeters and weights of up to 2.2 kilograms.

The discovery, documented during fungal diversity surveys in 2024 and 2025, also led to the identification of a previously unknown fungal family called ‘Dianjunaceae’. Genetic analyses suggest this lineage emerged approximately 65 million years ago following the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction event. While formal toxin testing has not been conducted, researchers noted that local residents have consumed parts of the fungus without reported ill effects. The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Fungal Biology.

Entities

Dianjunus rex · Kunming Institute of Botany · China · Stanford University · Yunnan

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 9 sources
    Dianjunus rex giant fungus species discovered in China

    Scientists have discovered Dianjunus rex, a giant fungus species in China's Yunnan Province with reproductive structures reaching 50 cm in height.

  2. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    New giant mushroom species discovered in Yunnan, China

    Scientists in Yunnan, China, have discovered a new mushroom species, ‘Dianjunus rex’, which can weigh up to 2.2 kilograms and belongs to a newly identified fungal family.

Sources

abc17news.com · guvengazetesi.com.tr · irri.org · kesq.com · keyt.com · kion546.com · localnews8.com · ortadogugazetesi.com · saobentoemfoco.com.br · sondakika.com · viagemegastronomia.com.br · world-today-journal.com