Marasmius elegans, commonly known as the velvet parachute fungus.
KOTA KINABALU: Two rare fungi species thought to only exist in other parts of the world have been discovered in Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Hill here.
The best part of the discoveries was that they were made by secondary school students doing field work for a nature conservation programme held by UMS’ Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (IBTP) recently.
Muhammad Aqil Fahmi Mahadimenakbar from SMK Tebobon, Muhammad Daniel Ashraff Abdullah from SMK Likas and SM All Saints’ Cleasha Joiee Alfius have been credited for finding Phaeoclavulina cokeri.
Sean Ho Min Jun from SM Lok Yuk Kota Kinabalu, Eory Glory Dharius (SK Rungus) and Isaac Sin Sang (SMK Likas), on the other hand, encountered the Marasmius elegans, commonly known as the velvet parachute fungus.
They were participating in Friends of Borneensis (FOB 2024), an initiative that emphasises hands-on learning about biodiversity.
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.
This significant breakthrough in the study of fungi has been achieved through the discovery of Phaeoclavulina cokeri, marking the first recorded instance of this species in the region.
“This discovery not only enriches our understanding of fungal diversity in Sabah but also emphasises the untapped potential that exists in our forests,” said IBTP director Assoc Prof Dr Fiffy Hanisdah Saikim in a statement.
In 1976, a taxonomic revision based on genetic and morphological analysis led to its reclassification into the genus Phaeoclavulina.
The fungus is characterised by its pale yellow to reddish-brown colour and its role in forming mycorrhizal associations with trees, playing a vital role in forest ecosystems by facilitating nutrient exchange and contributing to soil enrichment.
This new record of Phaeoclavulina cokeri in Sabah is particularly significant as it is more commonly found in North America, China, India and parts of South-East Asia.
The last recorded sighting of this species in the region was over 60 years ago.
The discovery has sparked excitement among researchers and highlights the potential for further exploration of Sabah’s rich fungal diversity.
The Marasmius elegans, which features a reddish-brown cap and a whitish stipe with white hairs at its base, is typically found in the eucalyptus forests of Australia.
The species was first described as Collybia elegans by Australian mycologist John Burton Cleland in 1933, and later transferred to the genus Marasmius by Cheryl Grgurinovic in 1997.
The discovery of Marasmius elegans represents another new record for Malaysia, further solidifying the importance of fungal research in the region, said UMS.
The dual discovery of these two rare species underscores the need for continued biodiversity research in Sabah, the varsity added.
“It also showcases the value of involving youth in such efforts, as their curiosity and enthusiasm can contribute to important scientific breakthroughs.
“As the region’s mycological knowledge continues to grow, further studies on these newly discovered fungi will be critical in understanding their ecological roles and ensuring the preservation of Sabah’s unique biodiversity.”
