Poison fire coral, one of the world’s deadliest species of fungus has been found on the outskirts of Cairns.
A photographer was in a pocket of rainforest in Redlynch when he found the fungus previous known to be native to Japan and Korea.
The discovery indicates the likely occurs naturally in other parts of Australia and south-east Asia.
Poison fire coral is commonly found on tree roots and in soil, and is the only known fungus whose toxins are absorbed through the skin.
Mycologist Matt Barrett said the fungus causes a horrifying array of symptoms if eaten, including stomach pain, vomiting, fever, and even death by multiple organ failure or brain nerve dysfunction.
“Most fungi, even death cap (mushrooms) you can handle them fine without having any symptoms at all. To have a fungus that can cause symptoms on touch ... it’s something we need to be aware of,” Mr Barrett said.