Luminara aurelius, named from Latin 'lumen' (light) and 'aurelius' (golden), is a bioluminescent fungal species in the Aetherium Arborescens cluster (order Agaricales). Its fruiting body has semi-circular, irregularly lobed caps (0–15 cm tall) with velvety, yellowish to golden-brown surfaces and orange luminescent patches. Densely packed, decurrent gills extend down a thick, granular stipe. Bioluminescence emits 470-530 nm teal to green light via a luciferin-luciferase reaction, concentrated in gills and cap margins, likely attracting nocturnal spore dispersers. It thrives in tropical rainforest understories on decomposing wood at 10–25°C as a vital saprotrophic decomposer. Spore dispersal is passive, enhanced by phototropism optimizing light emission. The extensive mycelium network supports nutrient cycling and ecosystem health.