Recently, scientists gave the fungal world a little more personality by describing three new Russula species: Russula lapponica, R. neopascua, and R. olympiana…all part of the group of mushrooms sometimes known for a distinctly fishy scent.
It’s a reminder that mushrooms don’t just come in earthy and elegant; sometimes they arrive with a fragrance that’s a little more… unexpected.
Beyond their quirky aroma, these fungi play an important ecological role by forming mycorrhizal partnerships with trees, helping forests share nutrients and stay healthy.
Discoveries like these show that even well-studied fungal groups can still surprise us, blending oddball charm with real ecological importance.
Reference: Kew Gardens. (2024). Kew’s Top 10 New Species of 2024. https://lnkd.in/g35YdWNC
Discovery Spotlight: The Fishy Fungi 🍄🐟
