Spiny Flask Fungus

Despite its small size, the Spiny Flask Fungus has a big job. It's one of nature's recyclers. Like many other fungi in its family, it helps break down dead wood into nutrients that eventually sink into the soil—and then get reabsorbed into growing plants. The fungus earns its name from the way it reproduces. When conditions are right, it sends up little "pincushions" covered with black "pins." Each pin is actually the neck of a spiny flask that holds spores inside. When rain or wind hits the pincushion, the spores pop out and float away to begin new fungi colonies elsewhere.

Field Museum scientists discovered the Spiny Flask Fungus in a Costa Rican rainforest. By studying the fungus's DNA, they learned that, not only was it a new species, it also belonged to a whole new group of fungi. Seven other species belonging to this family were found on other collecting trips. The Museum's collection of fungi is a major resource for learning about the diversity, evolution, and function of fungi and the conservation of their habitats. It currently consists of more than 230,000 specimens from around the world!