Tiny black fungus rediscovered in Chile after 40 years
It is small, distinctively black, and "the only species of its kind." The fungus Austroomphaliaster nahuelbutensi has been elusive since at least 1982 and has been considered extinct because this unique specimen has reappeared.
Officially, the fungus Austroomphaliaster nahuelbutensi was discovered in 1982 during this species' first and only observation. Microbiologist Norberto Garrido discovered it during one of the expeditions to the mountainous forests of southern Chile, reports the New Scientist portal. The scientists collected over 200 different species, but one was unique.
Elusive for over 40 years
Garrido named it the "great puma" fungus, but 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, which was found in the 1980s. As noted, its colour combines gray-brown with a touch of red. Its cap has a slight 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, and its stem is thicker at the base.
Daniela Torres of the Fungi Foundation in Chile emphasizes the uniqueness of this fungus. "It is the only species of its kind, making it extraordinary," she explains.
Expedition in search
Given how rare the fungus Austroomphaliaster nahuelbutensi is, Daniela Torres' team embarked on an expedition to find traces of this unique "inhabitant" of the Chilean forests. The expedition ended positively – scientists discovered a specimen in the Nahuelbuta range that had been considered extinct until now. At the same time, this species has been identified for the first time since 1982.
Scientists still have a lot of work ahead. First of all, 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 they face.
