Scientists from China, Thailand and Mexico have found a new kind of fungus in Yunnan, south-west China. Its name is Dianjunus rex. It grows on Chinese cork oak roots and breaks down wood. Its white parts grow upwards. They reach 20 inches tall and weigh up to 5 pounds.
Scientists put it in two new groups: a small group and a larger family. Tests suggest this family first appeared about 65 million years ago, soon after the dinosaurs died out. Dead plants may have offered more food for these fungi.
Its height may help the wind carry its tiny spores. These help fungi spread. But growing so large takes much energy. Scientists think the region has more fungi to discover.
