Researchers Identify A New Mushroom Species From The Western Ghats

Relevance: GS3 - Biodiversity & Conservation; Prelims: Species in News

(Source: The Hindu, 10/31/2023)

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Why in the news?

• Recently, a new species of mushroom has been discovered on the campus of the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) at Palode in Kerala, India.
• This discovery highlights the remarkable biodiversity of the Western Ghats region and the need for further research on its fungal diversity.

What are Mushrooms?

• Mushrooms are a diverse group of fungi which come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and they can be found in a wide range of habitats around the world.
• Mushrooms are fungi, which means they are not plants or animals. They belong to the kingdom Fungi.
• Mushrooms play essential roles in ecosystems. They are important decomposers, breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients.
• Certain mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes in various cultures, and some are known for their potential health benefits.

Discovery of a New Mushroom Species

• Genus Candolleomyces: The mushroom has been named as Candolleomyces albosquamosus. It is tiny, delicate, and has a honey-yellow cap. It is part of the genus Candolleomyces, which has only 35 species worldwide.
• Structure: It has a white woolly scale-like structure on its cap. It is a small mushroom, reaching a height of approximately 58 mm, with a bell-shaped cap that changes color from honey-yellow to brownish-gray with age. The stem is cylindrical and white.
• Habitat: Candolleomyces albosquamosus is typically found in its natural habitat on decaying logs or bamboo culms in forested areas.

Significance for Biodiversity in the Western Ghats

• Biodiversity Documentation: The identification of a new mushroom species adds to the growing documentation of the diverse flora and fauna in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. It showcases the richness of this region and the need for its preservation.
• Fungal Diversity: Fungi, like Candolleomyces albosquamosus, are often understudied compared to more prominent species. This discovery underscores the presence of a wide variety of fungi in the Western Ghats, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the region's biodiversity.
• Endemism: The Western Ghats is known for its high levels of endemism, with many species found only in this region. Discovering new species, such as this mushroom, emphasizes the unique and specialized nature of the area's ecosystems.
• Ecological Role: Fungi play a crucial role in forest ecosystems, particularly in the decomposition of plant litter. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding and conserving these organisms, as they contribute to nutrient cycling and ecosystem health.
• Research and Conservation: This finding encourages further research and conservation efforts in the Western Ghats to protect the various fungal species and their habitats. It underscores the need to preserve the entire ecosystem for a balanced and healthy environment.

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FAQs

MCQ

Question: Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2023)

1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.
2. Some mushrooms have psycho- active properties.
3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.
4. Some mushrooms have biolumi- nescent properties.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Question: With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)

1. It is a fungus.
2. It grows in some Himalayan Forest areas.
3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3