Mycena chlorophos

About Mycena chlorophos

• · It is a bioluminescent fungus primarily found in subtropical Asia.
• · It is characterized by a pristine white disc with a shallow depression in the centre and emits a bright, greenish light in the dark
• · Mycena species have bell-shaped caps and thin stems.
• · There are around 103 species of bioluminescent fungi in the world, of which seven are found in India.

What is Bioluminescence?

• · It is the ability of living organisms to emit light.
• · It occurs due to a biochemical reaction between luciferins, oxygen and the enzyme luciferase.
• · The benefit of bioluminescence in fungi is to attract insects for facilitating their spore dispersal.

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Key facts about Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary

• · It is located in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.
• · It is situated near the southernmost tip of India at the confluence point of three major water bodies namely; Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean.
• · Seven rivers have their origin in this forest including the famous Pahrali and Thamirabarani rivers.
• · Vegetation: This region represents southern thorn forests, dry deciduous, moist deciduous, semi evergreen forests and ever green hill sholas with grassy downs.
• · Fauna: It is home to Indian Bison, Elephant, Nilgiri Tahr, Sambar Deer, Lion-tailed Macaque and also reptiles such as Indian Rock Python. 
   

Q1) What are Mushrooms?

These are fascinating organisms with a wide range of ecological, culinary, and medicinal importance. They are fungi that belong to the kingdom Fungi. They are a diverse group of organisms with various shapes, sizes, colors, and ecological roles.

Source: Rare bioluminescent mushroom spotted in Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary