Stunning Forest Light Mushrooms : Are Among The One Hundred Fungi Species That Are Bioluminescent. They Are Usually Found In Asia

The phenomenon known as bioluminescence or the ability to emit light is more common in animals dwelling in ocean environments than on land. Insects such as fireflies are renowned for their ability to glow but little is known about fungi. The emission of light occurs as a result of a chemical reaction in which the energy is released as light, typically green light.

Senior scientist and head of Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute (JNTBGRI), C.K. Pradeep hails the finding, stating that fungi in India are not well documented compared with other regions of the world.

“This discovery is thus very important and adds significance in understanding the phytogeographical distribution of bioluminescent fungi and related issues,” he said. “Finding bioluminescent fungi in forests is quite challenging,” he added, “as we have to search for them at night!”