Discovery Overview
In the misty highlands of northern Thailand, a team of mycologists from Chiang Mai University and Kasetsart University uncovered a surprising trove of fungal diversity hidden inside ordinary garden flowers. While most observers focus on the role of blossoms in attracting pollinators, the researchers turned their microscopes toward the microscopic world that thrives among petals, stamens, pollen and nectar glands. Their survey yielded sixteen previously undocumented species belonging to the dark‑pigmented, yeast‑like genus Aureobasidium. The findings, published in the peer‑reviewed journal IMA Fungus, dramatically raise the count of known Aureobasidium taxa in Thailand and shed light on a largely ignored niche of tropical microbiology.
Sampling Strategy and Scope
During 2024 the scientists collected flowering specimens from 31 plant species across the provinces of Chiang Mai and Phayao. The selection spanned ornamental favorites such as bougainvillea and the maiden’s palm (Catharanthus roseus) as well as a variety of wild flora. From each flower they isolated fungal material from distinct structures – the pistil, anthers, pollen grains and nectary tissues – and succeeded in culturing 54 distinct Aureobasidium strains.
From Known to Novel
Of the 54 isolates, twelve matched five species already described in the scientific literature, four of which had never before been reported from Thailand. The remaining 42 isolates represented entirely new lineages, which the team formally described as sixteen novel species.
Why Aureobasidium?
Professor Nakarin Suwannarach explained that Aureobasidium repeatedly surfaced in earlier flower‑sample surveys, prompting a deeper investigation. The genus is renowned for its ecological versatility: members have been found in water, on human skin, on plant surfaces, and even in extreme habitats such as ice. Yet little was known about its diversity within tropical blossoms, a gap this study aimed to fill.
Integrative Taxonomy: Beyond Microscopy
Distinguishing closely related fungi proved challenging because many Aureobasidium strains look alike under the microscope. Relying solely on colony morphology or color would have obscured the true diversity. The researchers therefore adopted a multi‑faceted approach. First, they sequenced five conserved DNA regions for each isolate, generating molecular fingerprints. Next, they recorded phenotypic traits such as optimal growth temperature, colony texture, and the ability to metabolize various carbon sources. By cross‑referencing genetic data with physiological profiles, they could confidently separate cryptic species that would otherwise be indistinguishable.
Naming with Narrative
Each of the sixteen new species received a name that tells a story about its origin or honors a contributor to Thai mycology. For instance, Aureobasidium bougainvilleae was isolated from bougainvillea flowers, while A. catharanthi came from the maiden’s palm. Two taxa, A. saisamorniae and A. savitreeae, commemorate Thai fungal experts Saisamorn Lumyong and Savitree Limtong, respectively. This naming convention underscores the researchers’ desire to link taxonomy with geography and personal legacy.
Potential Applications
Beyond academic intrigue, some Aureobasidium species are known producers of valuable enzymes, pigments, and bioactive compounds. The newly described taxa may harbor novel metabolites with industrial relevance, ranging from biodegradable plastics to pharmaceutical precursors. Ongoing laboratory work will test these possibilities, potentially turning the humble flower‑dwelling fungus into a source of sustainable bioproducts.
Overall, the study highlights how even well‑studied ecosystems like garden flowers can conceal a wealth of undiscovered microbial life. By combining fieldwork, DNA sequencing, and detailed phenotypic analysis, the Thai team has opened a new chapter in tropical fungal taxonomy.
Source: https://scientias.nl/zestien-nieuwe-schimmelsoorten-ontdekt-in-thaise-bloemen/#respond
