Microporellus kolhapurensis

Microporellus kolhapurensis Latest News

A new fungus species of polypore (bracket) named Microporellus kolhapurensis, was discovered in Bhudargad taluka in Kolhapur district.

About Microporellus kolhapurensis

• It is a new fungus species of polypore (bracket).
• It was discovered in Bhudargad taluka in Kolhapur District, Maharashtra. 
• The fungus was found on rotting wood.
• This particular Microporellus fungus species fruits from July to September, and mainly grows singly.
• The characteristics of the yellowish-orange to grayish-brown species are distinct from other closely related species due to its 
  • umbrella-shaped structure
  • lateral stalk
  • ground-growing nature
  • large pores
  • teardrop-shaped spores, and 
  • distinctive thick-walled cystidia (large cells found on the spore-bearing surfaces of certain fungi that do not make spores themselves).

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What are Polypores?

• Polypores, also called bracket or shelf fungi, are a group of fungi so named because of the pores present on the underside of their fruiting body.
• The pores of a polypore fungi are used to house their spores, which are microscopic particles that allow fungi to be reproduced, much like seeds are to a plant. 
• The function of pores is to increase the surface area that spores can attach to. 
• These pores look different on the underside of different polypores, but are generally circular and regularly spaced along the surface.
• Polypores are also called bracket fungi due to their shelf-like appearance. 
• They can often be seen on living trees or fallen logs. Some polypores have a short stalk to attach them to their substrate.
• They damage healthy trees but also help to break down dead trees. 
• Their mycelium is embedded inside the trunks of their host trees, with only their fruiting bodies being visible.

News: TOI