Spongiforma squarepantsii is a species of fungus in the Boletaceae family, genus Spongiforma. The name of the fungus is derived from the cartoon character SpongeBob Squarepants, because of the similar appearance of the species with the cartoon character.
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The species was first described scientifically online in May 2011 in Mycologia, based on specimens collected in 2010 in Lambir Hills National Park, in Sarawak, Malaysia[1]
The genus name Spongiforma refers to the sponge-like nature of the fruit body, while the specific epithet squarepantsii denotes the similarity with the cartoon character.
Description
The fruit body of Spongiforma squarepantsii is bright-orange coloured. It is sponge-like and rubbery—if water is squeezed out it will assume its original shape. The surface has irregular, relatively large cavities (locules), lined with fertile (spore-producing) tissue. Fruit bodies have a strong odor, which is fruity to musty. The mushroom tissue turns purple when a drop of 3–10% potassium hydroxide is applied.
Habitat and distribution
Spongiforma squarepantsii was found growing on the ground in Lambir Hills National Park (Sarawak State, Malaysia).[2]
References
- ↑ 'SpongeBob' mushroom discovered in the forests of Borneo
- ↑ Referenzfehler: Ungültiges
<ref>-Tag; kein Text angegeben für Einzelnachweis mit dem Namen Desjardin2011.