Melbourne , Victoria, Australia — Oceania
Discovery: more common than you expect
| | Royal Botanic Gardens - Melbourne | |
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, March 30, 2026
1. Discovery: more common than you expect Marker
"Never seen anything like it" - the truffle-like fungus Cribbea
Fungimap volunteers help uncover the distribution of Australian fungi. In 2003, two volunteers found a very strange fungus in the mallee country near Pinaroo (South Australia). Despite careful study, its identity remained a mystery. RBG mycologist Teresa Label and colleagues dubbed it 'never seen anything like it' A reference to an obscure group of fungi led Lebel to the rare truffle-like genus Cribbea.
The type specimens and other collections were examined in Kew (England) and Brisbane. Analysis of morphological and DNA data confirmed that it was a new species of Cribbea. Unlike most other truffe like fungi, this genus is related to a group of rotters: wood rotting fungi in the family Physalacriaceae. This family includes the root-pathogen Armillaria. Cribbea is endemic to Australia and contains only three species, with less than seven collections known for all of Australia.
Erected by Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 2003.
Location. 37° 49.842′ S,
this page online
Regionally, it is in Oceania, Australasia, the Pacific Ocean, South Pacific, the Pacific Rim, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Travel through time (here, next to this marker); Unwelcome Strangers (here, next to this marker); Baron Ferdinand von Mueller K.C.M.G (a few steps from this marker); Herbarium Discovery Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); Director's Residence Royal Botanic Gardens (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Observatory House (about 150 meters away); Magnet House (about 150 meters away); Astrograph House (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, March 30, 2026
2. Information Board at Herbarium
Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 30, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
