Unusual mushroom found in Polesian forests for Belarus
The mushroom Arthonia molendoi was spotted on the territory of the "Pripyatsky" National Park back in August 2025, and after a long time, researchers determined what species the find belonged to, writes Times.by.
The lichenophilous fungus Arthonia molendoi. Photo: Pripyatsky National Park
A new lichenophilous fungus for Belarus, Arthonia molendoi, was found in the "Pripyatsky" National Park, the nature protection institution reported.
The closest place to Belarus where such a mushroom can be found is Lithuania. Arthonia molendoi grows on lichens. This is its unique feature.
The mushroom was found in August 2025 by Viktoryia Vetlina, a student of Francysk Skaryna Gomel State University. This year she will start working as a lichenologist in the national park.
The species identification of the mushroom was determined by Iryna Bolsun, a master's student at the same university. The research was conducted under the guidance of Andrey Tsurykau, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor.