Luminara Aurealis, from Latin 'lumen' (light) and 'aurealis' (golden), is a bioluminescent fungal species in the Ethereal Phosphorica cluster. It features translucent caps up to 10 cm tall with vibrant amber-orange hues glowing against a pale, opalescent stipe and fruiting body. The finely striated cap has semi-ruffled edges; tightly packed, radiating gills aid spore dispersal. The slender stipe is partly fused to a porous mycelial network anchoring it to tropical forest floors. Bioluminescence emits pulsating light at 470-530 nm via luciferin-luciferase localized in cap margins and gills, possibly for spore attraction or predator deterrence. It thrives at 10-20°C in humid, nutrient-rich leaf litter and decaying wood. Belonging to Phosphoraceae, genus Luminara, order Agaricales, it disperses spores aerochorically during nocturnal luminescent displays. The extensive mycelium functions as a decomposer, supporting tropical forest ecosystem health and biodiversity.
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