New species of fungus discovered in Denmark

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen discovered the new species called Hebelomagriseopruinatum during a mushroom-hunting tour headed by Jacob Heilman-Clausen in Zealand in Denmark.

The fungus, whose name can be translated into 'the grey-dewy tear leaf' has now officially been included in the list of species.

The fungus had been sighted once before in both England and Germany, but had not been described until the excursion to Eskebjerg Vesterlyng in 2009 by Jacob Heilman-Clausen found the species.

The new species will, however, hardly be a welcome ingredient in food as it is toxic, researchers said in a statement.

"Edible fungi are very popular in Denmark, but only few people realise that fungi serve important functions in nature. They degrade dead material and ensure that nutrients are circulated to the system. And yet we still know very little about how many fungal species exist worldwide. Even in Denmark, there are still many discoveries like this waiting to be made," Jacob Heilman-Clausen said.

The scientific description of the fungus was published in the journal Fungal Diversity.