Dianjunus rex: Giant Mushroom Species Discovered in China
A pale yellowish mushroom standing 50 centimeters tall and weighing nearly 2.2 kilograms has been identified in the forests of China’s Yunnan province, according to detikInet. Published on September 28 in the journal Frontiers in Fungal Biology, the discovery introduces Dianjunus rex, a fungus that far exceeds the reproductive structures of other members of the Ascomycota phylum, which encompasses roughly 65,000 species.
- Researchers identified Dianjunus rex in Yunnan province during field surveys conducted between 2024 and 2025.
- Genetic analysis places this giant in a newly named family, Dianjunaceae, estimated to have emerged roughly one million years after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event.
- Measuring up to 50 centimeters in height and weighing nearly 2.2 kilograms, its reproductive structures surpass previous record-holders in its phylum like Kenya’s Engleromyces goetzei.
Discovery in Yunnan Forests
Scientists documented the giant fungus during biodiversity surveys in Yunnan province across 2024 and 2025. Local farmers had previously observed the finger-like, pale yellowish structures growing in clusters near dead trees. The scientific significance only became apparent after a local resident transmitted photographs of the specimens to researchers. Although the giant mushroom has not yet been tested for toxicity, several local residents have tasted it and reported no adverse effects.
Ancient Origins Following Mass Extinction
Genetic comparisons establish that Dianjunus rex belongs to the newly designated family Dianjunaceae. This lineage likely originated approximately one million years after the asteroid impact that ended the Cretaceous Period around 65 million years ago. During this extinction event, which eradicated non-avian dinosaurs along with roughly 75% of plant and animal species, photosynthesis dropped sharply. Senanayake explained that the accumulation of dead leaves, wood, roots, and carcasses created an abundant nutrient pool for saprotrophic organisms that consume dead organic matter. Selama peristiwa ini, fotosintesis terhambat, sejumlah besar daun mati, kayu, akar, serta bangkai menumpuk,
stated Senanayake.
Size Comparisons Within Ascomycota
While dwarfed by the dinosaur its name playfully evokes, Dianjunus rex surpasses all known members of the Ascomycota phylum in structural dimensions. Prior to this identification, the largest recorded ascomycete was Engleromyces goetzei from Kenya, a globular brown fungus reaching nearly 30 centimeters in diameter and weighing about 3.2 kilograms. Researchers are actively investigating the metabolic mechanisms enabling Dianjunus rex to produce such massive stromata, given that ascomycetes typically avoid investing substantial energy into oversized reproductive structures. Umumnya, kelompok ascomycetes tidak menghasilkan stromata besar, karena merupakan pemborosan energi,
explained Senanayake.
Unexplored Fungal Diversity
Fungi remain exceptionally difficult to locate in forest environments because their vegetative bodies consist primarily of thread-like hyphae buried underground, inside decaying wood, or within vegetation. Stromata emerge only when environmental triggers align or when the organism reaches the end of its lifecycle. Stanford University biology professor Kabir Peay, who was not involved in the study, emphasized that such spectacular finds underscore the vast expanse of undiscovered fungal life. Mendengar penemuan jenis atau spesies jamur baru berukuran spektakuler selalu menarik. Ini jadi petunjuk banyaknya bentuk kehidupan jamur yang sangat eksotis, yang belum sempat diidentifikasi dan dijelaskan sains,
said Peay. Approximately 150,000 fungal species have been formally described, yet scientific estimates project the true global total between 2 juta hingga 13 juta spesies. Ini adalah kelompok organisme yang sangat kurang mendapat perhatian dan belum banyak dideskripsikan,
added Peay.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.