A team of researchers has discovered a massive 30-year-old fungus near Eltham during the annual New Zealand Fungal Foray. The huge specimen, a type of Ganoderma fungus, was found by PhD student Sam Lasham at Rotokare Scenic Reserve.
Lasham was exploring with Dr. Peter Buchanan of Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research and Auckland teacher Gerrie Viljoen. Dr. Buchanan, who has studied fungi for 45 years, said he had never seen a Ganoderma this large. He estimated it had been growing slowly for about three decades.
Ganoderma fungi are known as perennials, meaning they can grow for many years as long as they have a food source, like a tree stump. This rare find amazed even the most experienced fungi experts.
The discovery was part of a four-day event that brings together around 50 fungal researchers and enthusiasts from across the country. The group is exploring native forests around Taranaki, some of which may never have been studied for fungi before. They have official permission to collect samples.
This year’s event also includes a fun activity called “Fungus of the Year,” where people can vote for their favourite fungus from a list of 12. Some choices are colourful, edible, culturally important, or even known to cause plant diseases.
Fungi are fascinating organisms—more closely related to animals than to plants—and they come in many shapes and sizes.
