Scientists discover bioluminescent mushrooms in Kasaragod, warn against consumption

Ranipuram: Rare species of bioluminescent mushrooms that emit bright green light at night have been discovered in the forests of Ranipuram. Bioluminescence or emission of light by living organisms is a form of chemiluminescence, widely occurred in marine organisms as well as in some fungi.

The scientific name of the bioluminescent mushrooms is filoboletus manipularis which is commonly called electric mushrooms. These mushrooms were discovered at the micro-fungal survey conducted jointly by the Kasaragod division of the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department and the Mushrooms of India Community.

The day and night survey was held in the Ranipuram forest by a team of scientists and researchers following the instructions of Kasaragod Divisional Forest Officer K Ashraf. Dr. Jinu Muraleedharan, dr. Santhosh Kumar Kookal, KM Anoop, Sachin Pai and Poorna Sajna were part of the survey team. Around fifty varieties of mushroom species were found in the survey, the bioluminescent mushrooms being the most important discovery. Interestingly, the researchers were also able to discover the filoboletus keralensis, the non – bioluminescent variety of the same species.

Besides, hygrocybe mushrooms that belong to the tomato family too were found. These mushrooms that look like plump tomatoes stand out for their red, yellow, and orange colours. Most varieties of mushrooms begin to appear during the monsoon season. The filoboletus manipularis species that have been discovered in Ranipuram are not fit for consumption. Dr. Jinu Muraleedharan who led the team said that Ranipuram has a scintillating diversity of mushroom species indicating the incredible fertility of the area. He added that more research expeditions should be conducted in the region to understand its real potential.