Underwater Mushrooms

An Oregon scientist has discovered the first known species of gilled underwater mushroom, Psathyrella aquatica, in the cold waters of the Rogue River.


From the news:

"Coffan says he didn't set out to find a new species, in fact, he says he was just playing in the water on a family outing.
"'I was up in the middle of July, 90 degrees outside, wading around in the water, enjoying myself, and I saw mushrooms growing underwater,' he said.
"After making the discovery, Coffan and a team of biologists from SOU spent nearly three months observing the mushrooms.
"He says they develop and mature near other aquatic vegetation and remain constantly underwater. He says he's seen the mushrooms spread over about a quarter-mile stretch, growing on wood, gravel and the silty riverbed."