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 on Monday.
According to Atik, Morchella rinjaniensis has distinctive features, including a large fruiting body with irregular ridges and pits, and labyrinth-like spore patterns.
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.
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"The fruiting body can grow up to 19 centimeters tall, with irregular pits and large spores featuring a wavy, maze-like surface," Atik explained.
Phylogenetic analysis places Morchella rinjaniensis in the same clade as Morchella galilaea, though both show clear morphological and genetic differences.
Field observations show that this mushroom grows under the shade of natural forest vegetation, often near small water streams or in semi-open areas. It is commonly found alongside plant species from the Elaeocarpaceae, Urticaceae, and Myrtaceae families.
Atik noted that this new species has potential as a high-value alternative food source, as it belongs to an edible mushroom group.
She emphasized the importance of conservation-based management to preserve the natural population of Morchella rinjaniensis.
"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.
This research is expected to provide a foundation for short- and long-term cultivation plans for Morchella mushrooms in Indonesia, enrich the country's biodiversity data, and support further research in fungal ecology and tropical bioprospecting.
The findings were published in the international journal Mycobiology, Volume 53(4), pages 367–378 (2025), under the title “Morchella rinjaniensis: A Novel Species of Tropical Morchella (Ascomycota, Pezizales, and Morchellaceae) Discovered in UNESCO Rinjani-Lombok Biosphere Reserve, Indonesia” by Retnowati et al. (2025).
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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