# Discovery of Giant Fungus Species Dianjunus Rex in Southern China New fungal family Dianjunaceae emerges with unique evolutionary traits and massive physical structure. - **Source:** [Popular Science](https://www.popsci.com) - **Published:** 2026-10-14 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/dbca845f-3b1b-4673-a376-e03fa01d2cb3 ## New Fungal Family Identified Researchers in Yunnan, China, identified a new fungal species named Dianjunus rex, representing an entirely new family, Dianjunaceae. This discovery, published in Frontiers in Fungal Biology, highlights the vast, unexplored biodiversity within East Asian forests. The organism is officially recognized as the largest known species within the phylum Ascomycota, marking a significant taxonomic milestone. ## Physical Dimensions and Morphology Dianjunus rex produces vertical fruiting bodies reaching up to 50 centimeters in height and weighing nearly 2.2 kilograms. Unlike traditional mushrooms, this fungus releases spores from sac-like structures found on its stromata. These large, whitish growths typically emerge from fallen wood and are often found attached to the roots of Chinese cork oak trees. ## Evolutionary Timeline and Extinction Genetic analysis suggests the Dianjunaceae family emerged approximately 65 million years ago. This timeline places its origin just one million years after the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction event that eliminated dinosaurs. Scientists hypothesize that the sudden abundance of dead plant material following this global catastrophe provided the necessary ecological conditions for this giant fungus to thrive. ## Strategic Ecological Adaptation The massive size of D-rex serves a specific biological purpose, likely aiding in more effective spore dispersal within dense forest environments. While growing such large fruiting bodies requires significant energy, the evolutionary trade-off suggests that the reproductive benefits outweigh the metabolic costs. This adaptation allows the fungus to dominate its specific niche effectively. ## Research Methodology and Fieldwork The team conducted extensive fieldwork in temperate coniferous forests near Damaidi and Yipinglang, as well as tropical rainforests near Nanbang. After collecting the curious fruiting bodies, researchers successfully cultivated spores in laboratory settings. This allowed for a comprehensive study of the fungus’s morphology and genome, confirming its status as a distinct genus and family. ## Naming and Cultural Significance The name Dianjunus rex was chosen to honor the ancient Dian kingdom, which flourished in Yunnan during the second and first centuries BCE. The nickname D-rex reflects both its regal size and its emergence following the era of the T. rex. This nomenclature bridges the gap between ancient historical civilizations and prehistoric biological events. ## Biodiversity in Subtropical China The discovery underscores the high probability that many more fungal species remain hidden within the subtropical regions of China. Scientists emphasize that current knowledge of the 150,000 to 157,000 known fungi species is likely just a fraction of the total global diversity. Continued exploration is essential to fully map the complex evolutionary history of fungi. ## Implications for Fungal Evolution Dianjunus rex provides a rare window into the evolution of extreme fungal body forms. By studying how this species adapted to post-extinction environments, mycologists gain insights into how fungi respond to massive environmental disruptions. This research serves as a critical case study for understanding how life fills ecological voids after major planetary shifts. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.popsci.com/science/new-giant-fungus-d-rex/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._