Emily Johnson
Glowing mushrooms, or bioluminescent fungi, are found in various locations around the world, including Europe, North and South America, Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, and India. They are typically found in temperate and tropical regions, and some species are more common in certain areas than others. For example, the Jack-o'-lantern mushroom is found in Europe and parts of South Africa, while the Mycena luxaeterna is found in the rainforests of São Paulo, Brazil. These mushrooms are often found in forests, where they can be spotted glowing in the dark, attracting insects that help with spore dispersal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of known glowing mushroom species | More than 70, with more than 125 known species |
| Locations | Europe, North and South America, Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, India, Brazil |
| Specific locations | Australian forests, Amazon rainforest, forests of Meghalaya, Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, Mawlynnong, East Khasi Hills District, Krang Shuri, West Jayantia Hills District |
| Purpose of glowing | To attract insects for spore dispersal, or to deter frugivorous animals from consuming them |
| Mushroom species that glow | Panellus stipticus, Omphalotus olearius, Armillaria mellea, Roridomyces roridus, Collybia tuberosa, Mycena luxaeterna, Omphalotus nidiformis, Jack'o lanterns, Ghost mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
Glowing mushrooms in Australian forests
Glowing mushrooms, or ghost mushrooms, can be found in many locations across Australia, including Canberra, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales. They are bioluminescent, emitting a soft, ghostly green glow through their cell walls in the darkness of the night. This light is created through a chemical reaction involving a compound called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase—the same reaction that causes fireflies to light up.
The best time to spot these mushrooms is during ghost mushroom season, which tends to be in autumn and winter, particularly after some rainfall. They can be found in pine forests in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, as well as in the national parks and state forests on Australia's east coast. They have also been sighted in Bournda National Park on the NSW South Coast, where they grow in clusters attached to dead tree stumps.
The reason for their bioluminescence remains a mystery. One theory suggests that the light attracts insects that help with spore dispersal, similar to the function of fireflies' light. However, studies in Australia have shown no significant difference in insect attraction between glowing and non-glowing mushrooms, indicating that wind may play a more critical role in spore dispersal in these ecosystems.
The ghost mushroom, scientifically known as Omphalotus nidiformis, is poisonous and should not be consumed. Its bioluminescence is long-lasting, persisting for a day or two after being picked until it eventually dries up. This unique feature adds to the allure of these glowing mushrooms, captivating photographers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
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Roridomyces in India
Roridomyces is a genus of fungi in the family Mycenaceae, characterised by a slimy, glutinous stipe in moist conditions. In 2020, a new bioluminescent species, R. phyllostachydis, was discovered in India, marking the first species of the genus to be found in the country. This interesting bioluminescent fungus was found growing on dead bamboo stems in bamboo forests in the East Khasi and West Jayantia Hills Districts of Meghalaya, Northeast India. The phenomenon of bioluminescence or the ability to emit light is more common in animals dwelling in ocean environments than on land. The emission of light occurs as a result of a chemical reaction in which energy is released as light, typically green light.
The Roridomyces phyllostachydis is a small-sized mushroom with a subumbilicate to umbilicate, centrally depressed pileus coloured beige or pale pink with a light brown centre and light pink striations. It has distant lamellae and a central stipe that is slightly bulbous at the base with an entirely glutinous and slimy surface. The members of the genus Roridomyces are very fragile and thrive in moist and humid conditions. They are known to grow on dead bamboo sticks, specifically the bamboo species Phyllostachys mannii.
Special elements could be present in the bamboo substrate that this fungus prefers, as noted by Karunarathna, who also added that more research is needed to understand why they grow on this particular bamboo species. This new species of Roridomyces was discovered by a team led by Gautam Baruah, who accompanied a fungal photographer, Steve Axford. Upon closer observation, the team noticed that only the stipes (stalks) of the mushroom lit up, leading them to suspect it could be a new species. This suspicion was confirmed through detailed laboratory examinations.
Bioluminescent mushrooms are found across various continents, with species like Mycena luxaeterna found in the rainforests of São Paulo, Brazil, and others, such as Omphalotus olearius, found across Europe and parts of South Africa. Glowing fungi have been spotted in the forests of Maharashtra and Goa (part of the Western Ghats) in India, but they have not been scientifically reported. Karunarathna believes that the actual number of bioluminescent fungi in India is higher, and the lack of experts and funds are the main obstacles to exploring and documenting more species.
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Mycena luxaeterna in Brazil
Glowing mushrooms, or bioluminescent fungi, are found across various continents, with certain species located in specific regions worldwide. One such species, the Mycena luxaeterna, commonly known as the "eternal light mushroom," is a captivating find in the tropical rainforests of São Paulo, Brazil. This rare mushroom thrives in the Atlantic rainforests of Brazil, growing on decomposing twigs and, occasionally, dead leaves.
Mycena luxaeterna is a distinctive member of the fungal kingdom, prized by mycologists and nature enthusiasts alike. Its bioluminescent glow and unique habitat set it apart. This tiny marvel, typically standing only 3 to 5 cm tall, boasts a parachute-shaped cap that matures from a dark greyish-brown to a pale greyish-yellow with a delicate white ring along the edges. Its gills, attached underneath the cap, develop orange-resinous edges when dried, contributing to its striking appearance.
The ethereal glow of Mycena luxaeterna is considered one of the most striking among bioluminescent mushrooms. Its jelly-like stems contribute to a slimy texture, earning it the nickname "Meleca," meaning "little snot" in Portuguese. This texture, combined with its radiant glow, creates an unforgettable experience for those fortunate enough to encounter it. The mushroom's bright luminescence and delicate features make it a unique and enchanting representative of the fungal realm.
The Mycena luxaeterna is not just visually stunning but also exhibits intriguing microscopic characteristics. Its spores are strongly amyloid, reacting to iodine and appearing dark under a microscope. The cheilocystidia, specialized cells at the gill edge, contribute to its intricate structure. Additionally, the pileipellis, or the skin of the cap, forms a thick layer of gelatinous cells known as an ixotrichodermium, enhancing its distinctiveness.
While the Mycena luxaeterna may be visually captivating, it lacks appeal in terms of taste and aroma. It has a slightly radish-like smell and a bitter taste, making it unpalatable for consumption. Furthermore, despite its ethereal beauty, this mushroom holds no known nutritional, medicinal, or psychoactive value. Its extreme rarity and lack of cultural significance have resulted in its absence from culinary traditions. Instead, the Mycena luxaeterna is valued primarily for its aesthetic and singular qualities, making it a natural wonder within the realm of fungi.
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Glowing mushrooms in North America
Glowing mushrooms, or bioluminescent mushrooms, can be found all over the world, including in North America. More than 70 species of fungi are known to emit light, typically green light, through a chemical reaction between oxyluciferin molecules, the enzyme luciferase, and oxygen. This is the same chemical reaction that fireflies use to emit light.
One of the most well-known bioluminescent mushrooms, the jack-o'-lantern, grows throughout Europe and parts of South Africa. However, its Eastern counterpart, Omphalotus illudens, is found only in eastern North America. Jack-o'-lantern mushrooms glow in both their mycelia and the gills on the underside of their caps. They are poisonous, so it is important not to mistake them for edible chanterelles.
Another bioluminescent mushroom found in North America is Panellus stipticus, one of the brightest-glowing fungi on Earth. These mushrooms are found all over the world, but only those in certain parts of North America are bioluminescent. They glow from their gills and mycelia, most prominently during spore maturation.
Armillaria mellea, also known as the honey mushroom, is the most widely distributed of the luminescent fungi, found across Asia, Europe, North America, and South Africa. The Armillaria gallica, another species in the Armillaria genus, can also be found throughout Asia, North America, and Europe.
In addition to these species, there are likely many other glowing mushrooms in North America that have not yet been discovered or scientifically reported.
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Glowing mushrooms in Europe
Glowing mushrooms, also known as bioluminescent mushrooms, are a rare sight, with only a handful of species existing in the world. They are found across various continents, with certain species growing in specific regions. Europe is home to several glowing mushroom species, each with its unique characteristics and distribution patterns.
One of the well-known glowing mushrooms in Europe is the Jack-o'-Lantern (Omphalotus olearius). This mushroom is easily recognisable for its fiery orange colour and funnel shape, resembling the edible Chanterelle mushroom. However, unlike the Chanterelle, the Jack-o'-Lantern is poisonous and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress if consumed. It grows in woodland areas throughout Europe and parts of South Africa. Its gills emit a soft green glow, making it stand out both during the day and at night.
Another fascinating glowing mushroom found in Europe is the Bleeding Fairy Helmet (Mycena haematopus). This species gets its name from the red latex it exudes when damaged, giving it a unique burgundy hue. While its bioluminescence is relatively weak and challenging to see, it is still a stunning sight. The Bleeding Fairy Helmet can be found throughout Europe and North America, adding a touch of magic to the forests.
The Little Ping-Pong Bat Mushroom (Panellus pusillus) is a whimsical addition to Europe's glowing mushroom collection. This species, from the Mycenaceae family, features prominent glowing pores underneath its white, oyster-like cap. It is widely distributed across Europe and other continents, favouring subtropical-tropical, lowland forests. At night, its bioluminescence adds to its intrigue, making it a captivating find in the wild.
Lastly, the Desarmillaria ectypa, or Marsh Honey Fungus, is a unique glowing mushroom found in Europe. It is one of the few honey mushrooms with glowing fruiting bodies, and it specifically grows in swamp and marsh environments. Its gills produce a soft, enchanting glow, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere in its natural habitat.
These glowing mushrooms in Europe showcase the fascinating biodiversity of fungi. Each species has its own distribution, appearance, and glowing characteristics, contributing to the wonder and intrigue of the natural world.
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Frequently asked questions
Glowing mushrooms have been found in various places around the world, including Europe, North and South America, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Australia. They are typically found in temperate and tropical climates, and some species are more common in certain regions than others.
Yes, glowing mushrooms have been found in the forests of Meghalaya, Maharashtra, and Goa (part of the Western Ghats) in India. However, they have not been scientifically reported in Maharashtra and Goa.
Glowing mushrooms have been found in the Amazon rainforest in South America, as well as in the rainforests of São Paulo, Brazil. In North America, they are found in eastern regions such as Eastern North America.
Glowing mushrooms are typically found in forest ecosystems, often in dark and damp conditions. They are also found in bamboo substrates, specifically on dead bamboo (Phyllostachys mannii).
