Rare Blue-Based Earthtongue Fungus Found for First Time in UK

In Brief

The discovery highlights the ecological importance of protected natural reserves in supporting rare and unusual species.

Key Facts

• The blue-based earthtongue fungus, Microglossum cyanobasis, was discovered at Kingley Vale national nature reserve in West Sussex.
• This is the first recorded instance of this fungus species in the UK.
• Microglossum cyanobasis is only the second such specimen ever found in Europe.
• The species was first recognised in Spain almost 20 years ago, according to The Independent.
• The fungus has a distinctive tongue-shaped appearance.

What Happened

A rare tongue-shaped fungus, Microglossum cyanobasis, was found at Kingley Vale national nature reserve in West Sussex, marking its first recorded appearance in the UK.

Why It Matters

The finding underscores the role of national nature reserves in preserving biodiversity and may prompt further research into rare fungi and their habitats.

What's Next

Researchers may conduct further surveys to determine if more specimens exist in the UK and assess the habitat conditions that support this rare fungus.