Fungi
Meet these fantastic creatures!
Sometimes a species is moved by humans to an ecosystem where they don’t normally live.
What can happen when a fungus must survive away from the plants and animals they evolved with?
Click a button below and learn!
White Pine Blister Rust
Scientists are improving the survival of white pines to resist this fungus that showed up more than 100 years ago from Asia. There’s hope!
Shoestring Root Rot
A kind of root rot fungus that is a record holder for size. It is also bioluminescent, which means it glows in the dark—check out the slider!
Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death
It is caused by two strains of the fungus Ceratocystis that are new to science. They affect ‘ōhi‘a trees, a very important species for natural ecosystems in Hawai'i. Use the slider to see the beautiful flowers of ‘ōhi‘a and click below to learn more about it!
Sudden Oak Death (Ramorum Blight)
Also called a "water mold." It can be spotted by observing trees for signs of reddish cankers (dead spots on tree). Move the slider to see a canker with the bark removed.
Learn and Read
Stay and Play
Armillaria: Armand Robichaud, Flickr.com.; Fungi: Sasho Popov, Flickr.com.; Rhizomorphs: Kathie Hodge, Cornell University, Flickr.com.; White pine blister rust: Robert L. Anderson, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org.; Bioluminescent mushrooms: Taylor Lockwood.; Rust: Dorena Genetic Resource Center, State & Private Forestry, Flickr.com.; Pine branches: Kirk Baldwin, Flickr.com. Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death Ceratocystis stain bark slash, Keith, cropped. Yellow ‘Ōhi‘a, Jen R., Flickr,com. Red ‘Ōhi‘a, Forest and Kim Starr, Flickr.com.
