Chinese researcher discovers new species of fungus

Cantharellus albopileatus, a species of fungus newly discovered in east China's Zhejiang Province and south China's Hainan Province, has recently attracted wide attention in China.

Photo shows Cantharellus albopileatus, a newly discovered species of fungus. (Photo/Courtesy of the management bureau of Tianmu Mountain National Nature Reserve)

The pileus of the new species has a smooth and slightly greasy surface and is creamy to off-white in color, according to a paper on four new species of subgenus Cantharellus discovered in China, including Cantharellus albopileatus, published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology.

The stipe of Cantharellus albopileatus is fleshy and firm with a whitish appearance, and the taste and odor of it are not distinctive, says the paper.

The new species was first discovered in Tianmu Mountain National Nature Reserve in Hangzhou city, Zhejiang Province, by Lin Wenfei, a teacher with the Institute of Edible and Medicinal Fungi, College of Life Sciences at Zhejiang University.

The discovery of Cantharellus albopileatus bears great theoretical and practical significance for ecological conservation and studies in evolutionary biology and has demonstrated Tianmu Mountain National Nature Reserve's stable ecological systems, rich biodiversity and notable achievements in ecological conservation, said Qi Xiangbin, a staff member of the management bureau of the nature reserve.

News reports on the discovery of Cantharellus albopileatus have sparked extensive discussions on Chinese social media platforms, with many netizens asking, "Is it edible? Does it taste good?"

Photo shows Cantharellus albopileatus, a newly discovered species of fungus. (Photo/CCTV News)

Qi suggests people to not eat the new fungus species before scientists can gain a better understanding of it.

People had better not eat the types of mushrooms that they haven't eaten before, as well as the ones they don't recognize or can't tell if they are edible, said a staff member of the College of Life Sciences of Zhejiang University.

Before discovering the fungus, Lin was already famous in Zhejiang University for teaching a riveting general education course on fungi, which is very popular among students.

In his class, Lin invites students to taste 18 dishes made of mushrooms, and explains the processing methods and nutritive value of edible fungi as students enjoy the food.

Photo shows Cantharellus albopileatus, a newly discovered species of fungus. (Photo/Courtesy of the management bureau of Tianmu Mountain National Nature Reserve)

"For me, the course not only offered knowledge, but also a relaxing experience, during which I got to be close to nature and see a different world," said Lin’s former student.

Fungus not only serves as food and boosts the health of people, but it can be used in medical treatment for diseases, said Lin.

There are not many researchers of fungi in the world, he said, adding that in order to help more people benefit from this "treasure," he will remain committed to the popularization of science knowledge about fungi among the public.