'Hotlips' fungus wins species naming competition

[xchrom]

A lurid orange fungus, previously only known by its rather forgettable scientific nomenclature, Octospora humosa, was named 'hotlips' by Rachael Blackman from Swindon. Photograph: Thomas Læssøe/MycoKey/Natural England

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jul/20/name-a-species-2011-winner-hotlips

A 12-year-old girl has beaten more than 5,000 entrants to win a competition to invent the best new moniker for 10 endangered and overlooked species lacking a common name.

A lurid orange fungus, previously only known by its rather forgettable scientific nomenclature, Octospora humosa, was named "hotlips" by Rachael Blackman from Swindon, perfectly capturing the appearance of the moss-dwelling member of a group of fungi called discomycetes, or "discos".

"They looked a bit like lips and I thought the name suited it really well because of the bright orange colour," said Rachael. "It's exciting to know it will always be called hotlips."

[femmocrat]

1. It kind of looks like one of those fancy appetizers carved out of vegetables.

Good for the 12-year old!