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The new fungus was isolated from roots in soil in Jädraås in the province of Gästrikland and represents a new lineage among what are primarily rust fungi. Rust fungi cause plant diseases, usually by infecting leaves. Based on DNA sequencing from soil samples, the researchers know that the class occurs in soil and roots from different ecosystems across almost the entire world, but rarely at high abundance.

"There are probably at least two other species in the class, but they do not appear to be as common as Semicentenialea rex. Since it only seems to live deep in the ground, we are curious about what life strategy it has. We are going to study how it affects the roots of plants in the soil and how it propagates," says Anna Rosling, professor at Uppsala University, and one of the researchers behind the study.

Several million species of fungi

The species diversity in kingdom Fungi is largely unexplored. Based on sequencing of environmental DNA, it is estimated that there are several million species of fungi across the globe. But because most live concealed in soil, wood or insects, for example, it has only been possible to describe and name a small proportion of them. Without names, it is difficult to communicate about these species, genera, classes and even phyla of hitherto unknown fungi.

During a study of root fungal diversity, researchers culturing fungi from pine roots collected from mineral soil at Ivantjärnheden field station near Jädraås identified a new fungal species that turned out to represent a new class of fungi.

Exciting with a root-associated fungus

Veera Tuovinen-Nogerius and Rosling, both of Uppsala University, have led an international team of researchers in characterizing the morphology of the new species and its phylogenetic placement. The results have now been published in the International Mycology Association's journal IMA Fungus.

"A new class is exciting enough, but in this case, it's especially exciting because we have a root-associated fungus that, evolutionarily speaking, sits among the rust fungi in Puccinomycotina. Rust fungi are obligate parasites that infect plants and cause diseases above ground," Rosling says.

Suitably named after the king of Sweden

Finding names for new species is a pleasant challenge for researchers doing this type of research. This particular one was named Semicentenialea rex to pay tribute to King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden when he celebrated 50 years on the throne in 2023.

"During his reign, the king has worked tirelessly for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of our natural resources. What could be better than having a previously undescribed fungus named after you?" Rosling says. In connection with the official celebration of the king's golden jubilee, she presented a picture and a description of the species to him.

Now that the species has a new name, it will facilitate future communication and studies of the role of Semicentenialea rex in the ecosystem.

More information

Veera Tuovinen Nogerius et al, Another dark taxon comes to light: Semicentenialomycetes, a new class within the Pucciniomycotina (Basidiomycota), and its first described representative, Semicentenialea rex, IMA Fungus (2026). DOI: 10.3897/imafungus.17.189848

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Citation: A new class of root-dwelling fungi named after the King of Sweden (2026, July 15) retrieved 16 July 2026 from https://phys.org/news/2026-07-class-root-fungi-king-sweden.html

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The terrorism charge relates to an alleged plan to target two mosques in the Sutton area of south London. The force said the affected mosques had been contacted and were being supported by specialist officers, and that they were not looking for any other suspects in connection to the plot.

After further inquiries by counter-terrorism police working with the Crown Prosecution Service, the child was charged with preparation of terrorist acts on or before 9 July, as well as racially aggravated damage to property by allegedly damaging a car window on or before 20 June, also in Sutton.

Helen Flanagan, the head of counter-terrorism policing London, said: “This is a very serious terrorism charge against a young boy and likely to be highly concerning to the public and the local community.

“We know this will be particularly concerning to the Muslim community and we are working closely with the venues affected to ensure they are kept updated and to provide advice, support and reassurance, and this will continue.”

She added: “While it is deeply concerning to see someone so young charged with offences of this nature, we are sadly seeing an increasing number of children and young people in our casework.”

DCS Nick Blackburn, who is in charge of local policing for the south London area, said: “We should not underestimate the cumulative impact of incidents of this nature on the Muslim community.

“These charges come just days after 12 people were arrested for a suspected threat to an Islamic festival in Suffolk and a man was arrested for an alleged assault outside a mosque in Leyton.

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Last month, new national guidance from the Muslim Council of Britain advised mosques in the UK to carry out lockdown drills, strengthen ties with police and improve CCTV coverage, amid growing concerns about anti-Muslim attacks.

The guidance warned that Muslim places of worship faced an increasing threat from vandalism, intimidation, threats and targeted hostility.

The boy’s arrest follows a series of incidents targeting Muslim communities, including a “potential serious threat” to an event in Suffolk, racist riots in Belfast last month, and attempted firebombings, vandalism and violent attacks on mosques in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Blackburn, Manchester, Liverpool, Shrewsbury and east London. %!s()