A new species of Hydnum fungus is discovered in Zuoxi town, Qingyuan county, Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

A new species of fungus was discovered in Zuoxi town, Qingyuan county, Lishui, Zhejiang province. The fungus has been classified as Hydnum, a genus of edible mushrooms, and named "Hydnum erectum".

"The fungus was discovered accidentally by my uncle and I when we were taking photos of mushrooms in the mountain of the town," explained Hu Ligui. "Its strange look aroused our curiosity."

They took a sample which was later sent to the laboratory of Professor Zeng Niankai, a fungus expert, for professional study.

After a detailed analysis of the sample, researchers found that unlike most Hydnum species, the mycelium, or vegetative part of the fungus, of the new species is erect on the surface of the cap of the mushroom.

The Hydnum species of fungus is widely distributed with rich species diversity. To date, 20 Hydnum species have been discovered in China, many of which serve as important edible mushrooms.

Although it is not yet possible to achieve artificial cultivation of the new species, it is notable that all Hydnum species are edible, according to Professor Zeng.