Rare ‘earth mango’ discovered in Kerala: Hidden fungus known to locals as Neelamanga is back again |

A strange underground discovery in Kerala’s Palakkad district has suddenly caught the attention of scientists, biodiversity researchers and even people interested in traditional medicine. According to reports, in the village of Karakulusi, a farmer discovered several unusual mushroom-shaped structures hidden under the soil while digging for farming. At first glance, there’s nothing particularly striking about them. However, researchers later identified it as Sclerotium stipitatum, a rare underground fungus known locally as “nilamanga” or “earth mango,” according to local news reports in Kerala.The name itself sounds misleading. It almost suggests some forgotten variety of fruit buried underground. In fact, it is a rare fungus that secretly grows beneath the soil surface, often in areas with high termite activity. Researchers say such discoveries are becoming increasingly rare, in part because underground fungi remain poorly studied across India. Some experts even believe that many species may disappear before science can properly document them.

rare ‘Mango‘Underground discovery reveals hidden fungal species

The creature found in Karakurussi was identified as Sclerotium stipitatum, a little-known underground fungus species, Onmanorama reported. Reports indicate that approximately 20 underground fungal structures were discovered at the site during excavations.Unlike regular mushrooms that appear above the soil after rainfall, this fungus grows primarily underground. This hidden growth pattern makes it difficult to detect and even harder to study under natural conditions. The researchers say this may explain why the species rarely appears in biodiversity records despite being present in some areas for generations.Residents reportedly recognized the fungus immediately. In parts of Kerala, it has long been known by names like “Nilamanga” and “chithalkizhangu”. The nickname “Earth Mango” seems to come primarily from its shape and underground appearance rather than any connection to the actual mango.Scientists confirm there is no botanical link between the fungus and eating mangoes.

Why rare earth mango fungi are attracting medical interest

The discovery sparked interest mainly because of the medicinal value of the fungus in traditional local practices. Over the years, people in the area apparently associated it with a remedy for coughs, colds, upset stomachs, jaundice, earaches and body aches. Researchers remain cautious about these claims.Currently, there is limited scientific evidence that this fungus can treat any disease. However, experts say fungi often contain bioactive compounds that may have medicinal potential. Many important drugs, including some antibiotics, originally came from fungal research. This possibility alone makes rare species like Sclerotinia worth closer study.Some scientists believe that traditional ecological knowledge may contain important clues that modern science has not yet fully explored. In rural communities, people sometimes identify useful plants and fungi through observations over generations rather than through laboratory testing. While this often provides researchers with a useful starting point, it doesn’t automatically make every treatment scientifically correct.

Why Kerala’s rare earth mango fungus grows underground near termites

One detail of particular interest to the researchers is the apparent relationship between the fungus and termite-rich soil environments. Based on early observations, sclerotia appear to be growing in areas with high termite activity. Scientists are still trying to understand exactly how this connection works.It could just be that the termites are creating the right soil conditions for the fungus to grow. Another possibility is that the fungus is somehow dependent on the underground ecosystem created around termite colonies. The researchers say more detailed ecological studies are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.The fungus also appears to be closely associated with the wet soil conditions during monsoon and post-monsoon periods in Kerala. Moisture reportedly plays an important role in its underground development. Because these environmental conditions change from year to year, fungi remain difficult to predict or culture.

Will rare fungi disappear before scientific research?

The findings in Kerala have also reignited broader concerns about India’s fungal biodiversity. Despite its ecological and medical importance, the fungus remains one of the least documented organisms, experts say.Unlike birds, mammals, or flowering plants, many fungal species spend much of their life cycles hidden underground. Some only appear during brief seasonal windows. Others grow in remote habitats that are increasingly threatened by land use change, chemical agriculture and environmental damage.Many rare fungal species may have been quietly declining without the public noticing, researchers say. Because underground fungi are difficult to monitor, scientists often only realize species are disappearing after significant changes in their habitats.