Guwahati: In a landmark discovery, a team of Indian mycologists has identified a gigantic new species of wood-decaying fungus in the dense coniferous forests of Arunachal Pradesh—marking the first record of the rare genus Bridgeoporus in India and only the third species globally.
Named Bridgeoporus kanadii, the species was found growing in dense clusters on dead Abies (fir) trees during a monsoon survey in Shergaon village of West Kameng district. The fungal specimens were so massive—some measuring over a meter across—that they left researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) stunned.
“It was an incredible experience,” said lead author Arvind Parihar. “We had never seen such large fungal fruiting bodies in the wild before. Although similar specimens exist in herbarium collections, seeing them alive in the forest was astounding.”
The team comprised Arvind Parihar, Manoj Emanuel Hembrom, and Arijit Ghosh.
The discovery was part of a routine macrofungal foray in August 2023, conducted during the peak monsoon season—when Arunachal’s forests are most biologically active but also hardest to access. “The terrain is challenging, and many areas remain inaccessible,” Parihar noted. “We can only conduct fungal surveys during the monsoon, which coincides with torrential rain. That makes this kind of discovery even rarer.”
Over 40 fruiting bodies were recorded at the site, all growing on standing dead fir logs. The fungus displayed distinct macroscopic features: massive pileus (cap) structures with a glabrous surface that cracks upon drying, a cracked hymenophore with round to angular pores, and thick leathery context tissue. The basidiomata were hard and corky when dry, and fresh samples emitted a mild mushroom-like smell.
Microscopically, B. kanadii differs from the previously known species—B. nobilissimus from North America and B. sinensis from China—through its smooth cystidia, unique basidiospore size and shape, and distinct DNA sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS and 28S rDNA sequences confirmed it as a distinct species within the Bridgeoporusgenus.
“Each new fungal discovery adds valuable insight to global biodiversity and taxonomy,” said Parihar. “Globally, only around 155,000 fungal species have been described, yet estimates suggest there may be up to 10 million species. We’ve barely scratched the surface.”
The new species has been named Bridgeoporus kanadii in honour of Indian mycologist Dr Kanad Das, in recognition of his vast contributions to the field. Its discovery highlights the immense and largely untapped fungal diversity of India’s northeastern forests, a region classified as a global biodiversity hotspot.
To spark public interest in fungal biodiversity, reference specimens of B. kanadii will be showcased at the Industrial Section of the Indian Museum in Kolkata. “Specimens are typically preserved in herbariums for research,” said Parihar, “but the sheer size of this species makes it ideal for public display. It’s a natural wonder.”
He added that such visual exhibits can transform public perception of fungi, which are often viewed merely as pests or agents of decay. “People don’t realise how crucial fungi are for forest health,” he said. “Wood-rotting fungi like Bridgeoporus play a key role in carbon and nutrient cycling by breaking down cellulose and lignin, enriching the soil, and supporting plant regeneration.”
The researchers believe more undiscovered species of Bridgeoporus may exist in Southeast Asia and India. “This is only the second known species in the genus found in Asia,” said Parihar. “The forests of the Northeast are still largely unexplored in terms of fungal diversity. We expect many more surprises in the future.”
Beyond expanding scientific knowledge, the discovery underscores the urgent need for conservation. “These charismatic species,” the researchers wrote, “draw attention to the fragile ecosystems they inhabit—and the importance of preserving them before they vanish.”
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