 Spongiforma is a genus of sponge @-@ like fungi in the Boletaceae family . Newly described in 2009 , the genus contains two species : S. thailandica and S. squarepantsii . The type species S. thailandica is known only from Khao Yai National Park in central Thailand , where it grows in soil in old @-@ growth forests dominated by dipterocarp trees . The rubbery fruit bodies , which has a strong odour of coal @-@ tar similar to Tricholoma sulphureum , consists of numerous internal cavities lined with spore @-@ producing tissue . S. squarepantsii , described as new to science in 2011 , is found in Malaysia . It produces sponge @-@ like , rubbery orange fruit bodies with a fruity or musky odour . These fruit bodies will — like a sponge — resume their original shape if water is squeezed out . The origin of the specific name derives from its perceived resemblance to the cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants . Apart from differences in distribution , S. squarepantsii differs from S. thailandica in its colour , odour , and spore structure . 
