From the video of National Geographic to the wireless bands of National Public Radio, the postage stamps detailed by Brian Luther in the December PSMS Newsletter, and the photographs of the gifted Taylor Lockwood (see selection below), all the world seems abuzz with bioluminescent fungi, i.e. fungi which are capable of producing light through a chemical reaction. We felt it might be time to tantalize you with some information we've heard being bantered about.
Bioluminescent fungi have been discovered around the world, in countries ranging from Brazil, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica to Japan, Malaysia and Madagascar. The majority of these are from the Mycena family of about 500 species worldwide. Only 71 species of fungi are believed to be bioluminescent, out of the 100,000 known species.
Apparently most bioluminescence is faint, and the brilliance of Neonothopanus gardneri (formerly classified as Agaricus gardneri) is quite rare. Dennis Desjardin, professor of mycology at San Francisco State University in California, points out that Neonothopanus gardneri, a dramatic mushroom that favors the base of young palm trees in coconut forests in Brazil as its habitat, is an exception. It emits a greenish light that, according to some, is strong enough to read a newspaper by in a dark room. Desjardin purports that fungi can "glow 24 hours a day, as long as water and oxygen are available" whereas animals only produce this light in spurts.
Intrigued by all this hype? Of course, and who wouldn't be. Be sure to follow our links to more information. As they say, stay tuned, 'cause there's bound to be more bioluminescent fungi to light up your life!