Parasynnemellisia khasiana — Unique Fungal Discovery in the Khasi Hills

Researchers have reported Parasynnemellisia khasiana, a rare fungal organism that was unlike anything in existing taxonomic records, leading scientists to establish an entirely new genus and species for it. The organism was recorded from the rain-soaked bamboo forests around Mawsynram in Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills, where it seems finely tuned to thrive in constantly moist, bamboo-rich habitats.

Key Details :

• Location & Habitat: The fungus was discovered in the wet bamboo forests near Mawsynram, Meghalaya, growing on decomposing bamboo litter.
• Unique Characteristics: Laboratory analysis confirmed it did not fit into any known genus, necessitating the creation of the new genus Parasynnemellisia.
• Significance: It represents a distinct evolutionary lineage within the Phaeosphaeriaceae family, setting it apart from other bamboo-associated fungi in Asia.
• Naming: The name khasiana is derived from the Khasi Hills, acknowledging the locality of the finding.
• Discovery Team: The discovery, published in Phytotaxa, was made by researchers studying the biodiversity of Meghalaya’s bamboo forests.