Starfish fungus spotted by mountaineer in Sierra Madre

A starfish fungus (Aseroe rubra) was spotted by a mountaineer during a hike in Sierra Madre.

As seen in Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, the fungus has a vibrant red color and limb-like extensions.

"Mukha siyang kabute na may pagka-rafflesia din ang ang style niya," said Mac Wilson, the mountaineer who noticed the fungus.

"Gusto ko talagang malaman kung ano talaga 'yun. Kaya lang wala kasing masyadong data or wala akong kasama that time na bihasa sa pagtukoy," he added.

Dr. Rich Milton Dulay, Director of the Center for Tropical Mushroom Research and Development, identified the fungus and explained that it belongs to the family of stinkhorn mushrooms.

This type of fungi is known for its unique shape and bad smell, which help attract insects that will disperse spores for its reproduction.

"Ang masangsang na amoy ay galing doon sa gleba. Ito ay malagkit na kulay brown sa gitna ng kabute kung saan nandoon 'yung milyun-milyong spores. Ito 'yung mabahong amoy na mahalaga sa dispersal," Dulay said.

"Huwag itong kainin or huwag sirain, mas mabuting pabayaan na lamang ito dahil bahagi sila ng kalikasan at tumutulong sa pagbubulok ng mga patay na halaman."

Unlike plants, fungi have no chrolophyll and therefore have no capability to create their own food. Instead, they absorb nutrients from organic matter like dead plants and rotted wood. —MGP, GMA News