Cordyceps matango

This mutant species of cordyceps fungus is another example of the extreme evolution occurring within Biollante's forest and is classified as a priority one biohazard and clusters are to be eradicated when possible. Matango appear as dark orange bulbous shrooms that grow above ground and spawn via spores which are blown to a new location by wind, however if these spores enter the human body, they will engage in the second phase of their lifecycle. matango will completely take over its host, the only early symptom in infected humans are extreme headaches which will last 1-2 hours, afterwards the infected are considered completely under the fungi's control. First Stage infected will attempt to convince or trick non-infected into putting themselves in a situation that would lead to them becoming infected as well. Since Matango grow is accelerated by rainfall, First Stage infected will stand outside during storms or attempt to replicate this using showers (total submersion may kill the fungus). Second Stage infected have some fungal growth on the surface of their skin but otherwise still appear human, infected in this stage will attempt to stay hidden until the fungal growth is complete, Second Stage and onward are considered highly infectious and are a part of the collective hive-mind Matango possess. The Third Stage Infected are unrecognizable as their former selves, now completely covered by fungal growth, with additional large limbs growing from the mushroom cap on the head, final form infected are to be dealt with and only with incendiary weapons, impact and contact runs the risk of being infected by spores produced by the infected.

The Matango fungus is incapable of infecting flora-fauna native to Biollante's forest, seeming to be a defense against foreign invaders. Animals infected become extremely aggressive towards other foreign creatures and will seek to kill or infect them. The matango fungus must be eradicated before it can breach containment.

Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Sordariomycetes
Order: Hypocreales
Family: Cordycipitaceae
Genus: Cordyceps
Species: C. matango

Status: Alive.
Containment Status: Contained in Biological Quarantine Zone 001.
Category: Mokushiroku.
Temperament: Hyper Aggressive (Infected).
Height: N/A
Weight: N/A