Let's spend some time getting to know several classes of fungi. Today, we'll be learning about the marine fungal microbes that can be found in Thailand's oceans. Where do you find marine fungi? Exactly what qualities does it possess? And what part does it play in the ecosystem?
The marine and coastal environments of Thailand are rich in a wide range of natural resources. Manglicola guatemalensis, often known as the Thai sea fungus, is a type of fungus that lives in the ocean. Based on its taxonomic analysis, this fungus is placed in the same class as terrestrial fungi (Suetrong et al., 2010; 2011). This species of marine fungus has only been documented outside of the United States, in Guatemala and Brunei. Mangrove trees (Rhizophora mangle) host this form of marine life on their roots (Kohlmeyer and Kohlmeyer, 1971).
An amazing find like this shows that Thailand is still rich with unexplored biological treasures. If the ecological system collapses, the country will have lost everything of value.
References:
Kohlmeyer, J. and Kohlmeyer, E. (1971) Marine Fungi from Tropical America and Africa. Mycologia. 63(4): 831-861.
Suetrong, S., Sakayaroj, J., Phongpaichit, S. and Jones E.B.G. (2010) Morphological and molecular characteristics of a poorly known marine ascomycete, Manglicola guatemalensis (Jahnulales: Pezizomycotina; Dothideomycetes, Incertae sedis): new lineage of marine ascomycetes, Mycologia, 102:1, 83-92.
Suetrong, S., Boonyuen, N., Pang, K.L., Ueapattanakit, J., Klaysuban, A., Sriiindrasutdhi, V., Sivichai, S., Jones E.B.G. (2011). A taxonomic revision and phylogenetic reconstruction of the Jahnulales (Dothideomycetes), and the new family Manglicolaceae. Fungal Diversity. 51(1):163-188.