Fungus From Nightmares: Discovery of Mushroom With ‘Teeth’

Scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens in the UK have recently discovered a strange fungus with tiny tooth-shaped extensions beneath its mushroom cap. This finding is one of 172 new plant and fungus species identified in 2024, testifying once again that nature still has infinite surprises in store for us.

Mushrooms are fascinating in themselves, but this recently discovered toadstool is something special. While most mushrooms have smooth gills underneath their caps, this ‘mushroom with teeth’ features unusual, tooth-like structures. Researchers believe these features may assist in spore dispersal, but the reason for their existence remains unknown. The species was discovered in a dense, unexplored forest, demonstrating that even in the era of modern science, there is still much to uncover.

This mushroom with teeth was not the only unusual discovery in 2024. On the list of newly reported plants and fungi, scientists also found:

• A ghostly, chlorophyll-free climbing palm in Borneo that subsists on other vegetation.
• A vine that smells of marzipan, which emits a sweet, nutty aroma into the atmosphere.
• Several exotic orchids in Indonesia, adding to the ever-growing list of unusual floral species.

These discoveries highlight how much more we have yet to understand about the biodiversity of Earth. Each new species represents another piece in the puzzle of our planet’s complex ecosystems.

You may be thinking: why should we care about a strange mushroom or a colourless palm? The truth is, every new species enhances our understanding of the world for scientists. Some plants and fungi contain compounds that could potentially be developed into new drugs, while others offer insights into climate change and ecosystem health. Unfortunately, many of these newly discovered species are already at risk. Deforestation, climate change, and human activities threaten their survival before we have even had a chance to study them properly. Scientists emphasise the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these incredible organisms.

Arguably, the most thrilling aspect of these findings is the realisation that there is still so much to discover. Even with all our technological and scientific progress, nature continues to surprise us with its strange and fantastical creatures. The ‘toothy’ toadstool and its companions serve as a reminder that the world is still full of secrets waiting to be revealed.