Asian Beauty Fungi

Alien fungus was seen growing on a dead tree around South Lookout… just kidding! This otherworldly organism is called Asian Beauty Fungi (Radulodon copelandii), a unique species of toothed crust fungus native to East and Southeast Asia.
There is speculation as to whether or not Asian beauty fungi is harmful to the North American ecosystems where is has been introduced. It has spread quickly since its arrival, so there is concern that it displaces and outcompetes native fungi that also decompose dead wood. At present there is limited knowledge about Asian beauty’s impact in Appalachian forest ecosystems, but mycologists are monitoring spread as best they can. 

Photo by Laura Berry.