Luminescent fungus
Luminescent fungus
A research trip to South America by a biology professor and colleagues from San Francisco State University has led to the discovery of seven new varieties of luminescent fungi. Four of the species are new to science, while the three others have never before been recorded with luminescent characteristics. Researchers hope that these discoveries will lead to a better understanding of the evolution of luminescence.
Taking inspiration from Mozart’s Requiem, Professor Dennis Desjardin named two of the new species Mycena luxaeterna (eternal light) and Mycena luxperpetua (perpetual light), referring also to their capacity for 24 hour luminescence.
The fungi are small with caps less than one centimeter across, and emit a bright, yellowish-green light.
Tags: evolution, fungus fungi, luminescent
