Scienceenvironment
Scientists discover 'D-rex', a giant fungus from China
Deep in the forests of Yunnan, China, researchers have discovered a remarkable fungal giant that challenges our understanding of maximum fungal sizes. The newly described species, Dianjunus rex, produces vertical fruiting bodies reaching up to 50 cm in height. Weighing as much as 2.2 kg, this organism represents the largest known species within the phylum Ascomycota. Genetic analysis reveals that its unique lineage dates back approximately 65 million years, positioning it as a survivor of the catastrophic K-Pg extinction event.