Bridgeoporus kanadii: A Giant New Fungus Discovery in Arunachal Pradesh

In a remarkable finding, researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of fungus in the forests of West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh: Bridgeoporus kanadii. The discovery highlights the rich, understudied fungal diversity of India and points to the crucial ecological role fungi play in forest regeneration and nutrient cycling. 

What Is Bridgeoporus kanadii?

• Genus & novelty: The genus Bridgeoporus was previously represented by a single known species. Bridgeoporus kanadii is only the second species described in this genus.

• Eponym & recognition: It is named in honor of Indian mycologist Kanad Das for his contributions to macrofungal research in India.

• Size & morphology: Researchers observed 40 fruiting bodies of B. kanadii on decaying Abies (fir) trees. Sizes varied from small (~9 cm radius) to massive specimens exceeding 3 meters in radius. One specimen was so large, the lead researcher noted that it could support a human sitting on it.

• Habitat preference: The species appears to grow primarily on dead or dying fir trees; when found on living trees, those trees were in decline.

Ecological Importance & Role in Forest Health

Fungi like Bridgeoporus kanadii are more than curiosities—they play indispensable roles in forest ecosystems:

• Decomposition of wood & litter: Wood-rotting fungi break down cellulose and lignin in dead wood, converting it into simpler nutrients. This is vital for nutrient cycling and preventing litter build-up in forests.

• Soil & microbial health: As organic matter is broken down, fungi help maintain soil structure, moisture retention, and microbial communities that support plant growth.

• Supporting regeneration: By clearing dead woody biomass, fungi clear space and release nutrients that allow new plants, seedlings, and undergrowth to flourish.

• Ecosystem balance: In forest ecosystems, fungi act as “housekeepers,” ensuring that dead material is recycled and not allowed to accumulate, which helps maintain forest health and biodiversity

Significance of This Discovery

This finding is significant not only because of the size and novelty of the fungus, but also because:

• It underscores how much fungal diversity remains undocumented even in heavily forested regions of India.

• Large specimens like B. kanadii draw attention to the presence of “giant” fungi, which are rare and often overlooked.

• It reminds us that macrofungi are key to ecosystem stability, but often remain poorly studied and underfunded in biodiversity programs.

• The species discovery also raises questions about how changing climate, forest management, and conservation policies will affect fungi and their ecological roles.

Conclusion

The discovery of Bridgeoporus kanadii in West Kameng is a milestone for Indian mycology and forest ecology. Beyond being a new species, its role as a decomposer highlights how fungi underpin forest regeneration and nutrient cycling. As researchers continue exploring understudied ecosystems, more such hidden marvels may be uncovered, emphasizing the need for fungal research, conservation of fungal habitats, and integration of fungi into broader biodiversity policy thinking.