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Meet 'D-rex': Giant 20-Inch Fungus Discovered in China's Yunnan Forests Dates Back 65 Million Years

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Meet 'D-rex': Giant 20-Inch Fungus Discovered in China's Yunnan Forests Dates Back 65 Million Years

Here is what the page “Meet 'D-rex': Giant 20-Inch Fungus Discovered in China's Yunnan Forests Dates Back 65 Mill” contains. In the biodiverse forests of Yunnan, China, researchers have uncovered a colossal new fungus species named Dianjunus rex—nicknamed 'D-rex'—that pushes the boundaries of fungal size. The fruiting bodies of this ascomycete can reach 50 centimeters (20 inches) in height and weigh up to 2.2 kilograms (4.9 pounds), making it the largest known member of its phylum. The discovery, detailed by scientists studying the region's mycological diversity, highlights how much remains unknown about the kingdom Fungi, even in well-explored areas.

Its unique lineage is estimated to date back 65 million years, offering a window into ancient fungal evolution. This find matters because large fungi play critical roles in forest ecosystems, from nutrient cycling to symbiotic relationships with trees, and understanding their diversity can inform conservation efforts. For the complete material, the listing points back to the source inside the network.

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