JAKARTA, 7 August (BelTA - ANTARA) - Researchers at the National
Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have successfully described a new
species of morel mushroom found in the Rinjani Biosphere Reserve,
Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
The species, named Morchella rinjaniensis, refers to the location of its discovery and marks the first scientifically described tropical Morchella species in Indonesia, identified using both morphological and molecular approaches.
"This species has a unique combination of characteristics not found in other Morchella species, either morphologically or genetically," Atik Retnowati, a researcher at BRIN’s Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution, noted in a statement from Jakarta.
Genetic analysis of four genes confirmed clear distinctions between this species and other known Morchella, validating it as a new species.
The mushroom was found growing wild on Mount Rinjani's slopes at altitudes of 900 to 1,200 meters, in areas such as Torean, Senaru, Sembalun, Tetebatu, and Aik Berik. It typically appears during the seasonal shift from rainy to dry periods, around April to May.
Atik noted that this new species has potential as a high-value alternative food source, as it belongs to an edible mushroom group.
"This preservation strategy aligns with UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program, which promotes sustainable management of conservation areas through biosphere transition zones," she stated.
Atik expressed hope that the discovery will open opportunities for environmentally friendly mushroom cultivation that benefits local communities.
The species, named Morchella rinjaniensis, refers to the location of its discovery and marks the first scientifically described tropical Morchella species in Indonesia, identified using both morphological and molecular approaches.
"This species has a unique combination of characteristics not found in other Morchella species, either morphologically or genetically," Atik Retnowati, a researcher at BRIN’s Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution, noted in a statement from Jakarta.
Genetic analysis of four genes confirmed clear distinctions between this species and other known Morchella, validating it as a new species.
The mushroom was found growing wild on Mount Rinjani's slopes at altitudes of 900 to 1,200 meters, in areas such as Torean, Senaru, Sembalun, Tetebatu, and Aik Berik. It typically appears during the seasonal shift from rainy to dry periods, around April to May.
Atik noted that this new species has potential as a high-value alternative food source, as it belongs to an edible mushroom group.
"This preservation strategy aligns with UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program, which promotes sustainable management of conservation areas through biosphere transition zones," she stated.
Atik expressed hope that the discovery will open opportunities for environmentally friendly mushroom cultivation that benefits local communities.
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