By LONG Yun & BI Weizi

Dr. Samantha C. Karunarathna (first from the left) talks with Mr. Steve Axford, a world-renowned fungi photographer. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Yunnan, a beautiful province in southwest China, is not only famous for its multi-ethnic culture but also for its diverse array of mushroom species, which thrive in the unique mountainous environment that characterizes the region. This exceptional diversity served as a magnet for Dr. Samantha C. Karunarathna, which drew him to move from his homeland of Sri Lanka to achieve his dream of becoming a mushroom expert.

"It was estimated that there are approximately 900 edible mushrooms in Yunnan, and as far as I know, there is no [other] place on the planet with this high mushroom diversity," Karunarathna, a professor at Qujing Normal University specializing in taxonomy, phylogeny, and domestication of mushrooms, told Science and Technology Daily.

Fondly dubbing himself "a mushroom born in Sri Lanka and grown in Yunnan," he said that the colors and different shapes of mushrooms attracted him to gain more knowledge about "this interesting group."

A solid foundation

Karunarathna's journey to Yunnan began during his PhD project at Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand, closely cooperating with the Kunming Institute of Botany (KIB), Chinese Academy of Sciences. His fieldwork, mainly focusing on studying mushroom diversity in Yunnan, led him to frequently travel to Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan. Following the completion of his PhD, he was offered a researcher position at KIB, paving the way for further academic pursuits.

KIB provided Karunarathna with ample freedom to focus on his research while engaging in various projects and collaborating with colleagues on diverse topics. During this period, he enhanced his research skills and the quality of his scientific work.

He lauded the "research-friendly environment" in China, saying, "Compared with other countries, China offers a greater variety of opportunities."

Karunarathna has been involved in research projects aimed at improving the sustainability of agricultural systems and rural livelihoods for several years. "From this experience, I learned and am still learning how rewarding it can be to see scientific knowledge being implemented in practice and benefit or improve existing systems," he said.

Disseminating knowledge

Karunarathna's goal is to discover new edible mushrooms in Yunnan, benefiting those who like eating mushrooms. "I would also like to invest my energy and research to support the local farmers in Yunnan through mushroom cultivation and domestication," he said.

In 2022, Karunarathna joined the Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering at Qujing Normal University. "My students are highly diligent in their studies and often work hard day and night," he said. The dedicated spirit of his Chinese students constantly surprises him. He hopes in the future, they will not merely view their studies as a means to secure jobs but genuinely have a passion for the study of wild mushrooms.

Karunarathna firmly believes that passion is the best teacher because true happiness stems from the love of learning itself, enabling people to persevere in their scientific research, regardless of the difficulties they may face.

In addition to his teaching tasks, he is dedicated to academia, which has resulted in more targeted and informative scientific papers and books about mushrooms for the people of Yunnan. He aims to promote a rational and scientific approach to understanding and utilizing wild mushrooms while also using wild mushroom cultivation to increase the incomes of local farmers.

A bright future

As a foreign researcher in China, Karunarathna is deeply impressed by China's substantial investment in research and development, particularly in conserving endangered fauna and flora. From his perspective, the country has also strongly committed to restoring degraded land and repurposing it for agriculture. Witnessing Yunnan's initiatives promoting green energy, green food, and a healthy living environment, he believes there will be a bright future for his research endeavors in the region.

When asked about his advice for tourists to Yunnan, he had a mouthwatering suggestion. "I strongly recommend anyone who visits Yunnan to try the [culinary] specialty of the province-Wild Mushroom Hot Pot. It is a unique experience you can only get in Yunnan," he said.

KONG Youqiong from the Yunnan provincial Science and Technology Department also contributed to this article.