Bevan confirmed the species, genus and name of each sample, and entered new specimens into the database. Of the seven samples, one yeast and two bacteria were new to New Zealand, with two more bacteria pending. It was very interesting to see the taxonomy 'trees' denoting species and genus as he conducted his searches.
Bevan, as curator of ICMP, plans to make a submission to the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on behalf of Landcare Research. It would appear that the representatives of Kombucha did not disclose their imported sample correctly and that fungi other than the ones declared have been imported. While there is zero risk to the public, it is important that fungal taxonomy is properly managed in New Zealand.
