New fungi species found inside Tibetan trees
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Researchers in China discovered two new species of fungi, Parafenestella cupressicola and Parafenestella xizangensis, living within the tissues of healthy giant cypress trees and Rosa sericea shrubs in the Xizang region. The team collected samples from trees growing above 3,000 meters and used sterilization techniques to isolate fungi genuinely living inside the plants. They then grew the fungi in a lab, observing their characteristics and extracting their DNA.
The scientists combined microscopic examination with genetic analysis of five nuclear loci to confirm the fungi were previously unknown. The new species join a genus, Parafenestella, that has been difficult for scientists to classify due to similarities between unrelated species. This discovery expands the known range of Parafenestella and demonstrates its ability to thrive in various environments. This finding adds to a growing understanding of fungal biodiversity in the Xizang region, which is known for its unique ecosystems.
Researchers believe the area hosts a diverse range of fungi that have adapted to survive in harsh alpine conditions, utilizing strategies from causing disease to living harmlessly within plant tissues. Further study of these fungi could reveal more about how they have evolved and adapted to their environment.
