This research discovered and identified fungi living inside the leaves of tropical pandanus plants in Thailand. Using both traditional methods and DNA analysis, the scientists found 16 different fungal species, including 8 that were completely new to science. This type of research is important for several reasons: Impacts on everyday life: – These fungi could be sources of new medicines or useful compounds – Understanding plant-fungal relationships helps improve agricultural practices – The discovery of new species helps us better understand biodiversity and evolution – This knowledge can help protect important plant species and ecosystems – The findings may lead to biotechnology applications in food, medicine or industry