The Phaeoclavulina cokeri and The Marasmius elegans.
KOTA KINABALU: Two rare species of fungi thought to exist only in other parts of the world have been discovered on Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Hill here.
The discoveries were especially remarkable as they were made by secondary school students doing fieldwork in a nature conservation programme organised by UMS’ Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (IBTP), the university noted.
Muhammad Aqil Fahmi Mahadimenakbar from SMK Tebobon, Muhammad Daniel Ashraff Abdullah from SMK Likas and Cleasha Joiee Alfius of SM All Saints discovered the Phaeoclavulina cokeri.
Sean Ho Min Jun from SM Lok Yuk Kota Kinabalu, Eory Glory Dharius (SK Rungus) and Isaac Sin Sang (SMK Likas) found Marasmius elegans, commonly known as the velvet parachute fungus.
They were participating in the Friends of Borneensis (FOB 2024). an initiative that emphasises hands-on learning about biodiversity.
The students who discovered the Phaeoclavulina cokeri
Phaeoclavulina cokeri, a coral fungus known for its distinctive, branching coral-like structure, was originally classified under the genus Ramaria by British mycologist EJH Corner in the 1960s but reclassified under Phaeoclavulina in 1976 after re-analysis.
The students' find marks the first recorded instance of Phaeoclavulina cokeri in the state.
"This discovery not only enriches our understanding of fungal diversity in Sabah but also emphasises the untapped potential that exists in our forests," IBTP director Associate Prof Dr Fiffy Hanisdah Saikim said in a statement issued recently.
The fungus is characterised by its pale yellow to reddish-brown colour and its vital role in forest ecosystems by facilitating nutrient exchange and helping to enrich soil.
Phaeoclavulina cokeri is more commonly found in North America, China, India and parts of South-East Asia.
The students who discovered the Marasmius elegans. On the right is UMS fungi expert Assoc Prof Dr Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan.
The discovery has sparked excitement among researchers and highlights the potential for further exploration of Sabah's rich fungal diversity.
As for Marasmius elegans, which features a reddish-brown cap and a whitish stripe with white hairs at its base, it is typically found in the eucalyptus forests of Australia.
Its discovery here represents another new record for Malaysia, further solidifying the importance of fungal research in the region, said UMS.
The dual discovery of the two rare species underscores the need for continued biodiversity research in Sabah, it added.
“It also showcases the value of involving youth in such efforts, as their curiosity and enthusiasm can contribute to important scientific breakthroughs," it said.
