''Talaromyces atroroseus'' is a species of

fungus A fungus (plural, : fungi or funguses) is any member of the group of Eukaryote, eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and Mold (fungus), molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified ...

described as new to science in 2013. Found in soil and fruit, it was first identified from house dust collected in South Africa. The fungus produces a stable red

pigment A pigment is a colored material that is completely or nearly insoluble in water. In contrast, dyes are typically soluble, at least at some stage in their use. Generally dyes are often organic compounds whereas pigments are often inorganic comp ...

with no known toxins that, it is speculated, could be used in manufacturing, especially mass-produced foods.

References

Trichocomaceae Fungi described in 2013 Fungi of Africa {{Eurotiomycetes-stub