# New Species of Giant Fungus Discovered in China Grows up to 20 Inches Tall

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/new-species-of-giant-fungus-discovered-in-china-grows-up-to-20-inches-tall/
- Published: 2026-11-15T10:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T10:19:32+00:00
- Original publisher: Wired
- Original article: https://www.wired.com/story/new-species-of-giant-fungus-discovered-in-china-grows-up-to-20-inches-tall/
- Topics: Asia, World

## Key points

- A newly identified Chinese fungus grows up to 20 inches tall.
- Its fruiting bodies can weigh nearly five pounds.
- Researchers think its height may aid spore dispersal.

## Summary

Researchers have identified a giant fungus in China’s Yunnan province, with fruiting bodies reaching 20 inches tall and weighing nearly five pounds. It belongs to a previously unknown biological family, highlighting how much fungal diversity may remain undiscovered in the region.

The fungus, named D. rex, was found in Nanban tropical rainforest near dying trees. DNA analysis suggests it diverged from other species about 65 million years ago; researchers propose it may live inside healthy trees before feeding on dead plant matter, though this remains unconfirmed. Its height may help spread spores above forest undergrowth, but building such large structures requires substantial energy.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.