This is a fantasy fungi, and is represented solely as an artistic, fantasy specimen. This is a hobby for me, and I enjoy making species that don’t actually exist, but could.
Phyllotopsis Contractorii “Mock Lace Oyster”
P. Contractorii; a saprobic fungi in the family Tricholomataceae, has not yet been discovered. It is believed to be a relative of P. Nidulans (Mock Orange Oyster Mushroom). Given the uncertainty with this species, some say it may actually belong in the genus “Pleurotis”, however it’s discovery may never be made.
It’s believed that if this fungi still remains, it would likely be found in Osa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. A genetic mutation that allows light to pass through a large portion of the fruiting body is believed to refract certain wavelengths that attract a specific species of wasp in the rainforest. As a result of habitat loss, the only known distributor of the spores has not been observed since 2021, sadly just 3 years after the insect was discovered in 2018.
This is a prime example of how tightly interweaved delicate ecosystems can be; especially those that we don’t yet fully understand.
This beautifully elegant, vivid, orange mushroom likely expands hyphae into decaying wood slowly releasing enzymes that break down organic material and is likely extremely sensitive to changes in man made pollutants. As it only has a single known disburser of its spores, the range of this species will likely be extremely limited, potentially isolated to a narrow area near wetlands or rivers, as the wasp that carries the spores relies on access to unpolluted freshwater in order to reproduce. It may take upwards of 10 years for the spores to travel just a few miles as it’s believed they wouldn’t have a long viability due to the spores’ transparency and lack of protection from solar radiation.
Since the conclusion of WW2, it is estimated that Costa Rica has lost 80% of its natural forests; a truly terrifying number to fathom.
Still undiscovered, conservation efforts should continue to protect the delicate ecosystems that foster undiscovered species such as P. Contractorii. Protecting our rainforests is as important as ever to make sure plants like this make it into the future. Using AI, we can now interpret plants that may have existed but are now extinct, or could still be out there at risk or becoming one of the nearly 137 species that are driven to extinction every day.
I find that it is easier for people to take notice of the harm that arises from deforestation when they can visually imagine the damage occurring. Anyone can throw statistics at someone, but showing the possible beauty that is at risk daily tends to open eyes a bit more. I hope that by following my series of 137 fantasy plants and stories, you’ll appreciate more than ever the 137 unidentified and lost species every day from deforestation. I strive to provide fictitious stories that still contain real facts, maps, and prominent figures. These stories are not real, but the years of deforestation are accurate, as is the satellite imagery.