An Introduction to Fungi by J A J Richardson

An Introduction to Fungi

By J A J Richardson 

All Photographs by J A J Richardson 

Fungi (the plural of fungus) are fundamental to life on Earth and the way we live and grow as human beings. Likewise the study of fungi is of great importance to the Gardener and the Home Grower.

The study of fungi is called Mycology (practised by Mycologists). As a science it stems from the branches of Biology and often sits beside the umbrella of Botany in teaching. However, unlike plants which photosynthesise in order to obtain carbon compounds, fungi source carbon from surrounding materials as they grow. In 1969 R. Whittaker then reclassified such organisms into a kingdom of their own as Fungi.

Like plants all fungi are listed according to the Linnaeus system which uses Latin names to identify the Genus species and in some cases the cultivar of a particular variety. Likewise common names are also used by amateurs and hobbyists as a means of recognition. The use of Latin names is however especially important when trying to identify similar species of fungi from the same family group or Genus. Even more important when the fruits of a presumably edible species are intended for dinner or lunch. For this reason this report will not cover edible, hallucinogenic, non edible  or non hallucinogenic varieties of mushroom specifically.

 

Mycelia

Mycelia (the plural of mycelium) are the vegetative bodies of fungal spores. Mycelium colonise carbon rich materials including decaying plants, trees, roots, and soils. As mycelium multiply they string together to form filaments called hypha. These hypha can travel long distances away from the initial source of the fungal spore. As the hypha travel they release enzymes which breakdown organic compounds and then transport  nutrients and minerals back towards the fungal body.

 

Each strain of mycelium is specific to a specific host material. For example the mycelium of the fungi Leccinum duriusculum (common name Slate Bolete) only grows within range of the tree roots of Populus (common name Poplar). Likewise the fungi Auricularia auricula judae (common name Jelly Ear or Jew's Ear) typically grows on the wood of old elder. The hypha of several fungi are often visible under decaying materials including old logs and pine needles at any time of the year.  

Mycelia inhabits the decaying in the natural world. Due to its unique role in the process of decomposition Mycelium are therefore fundamental to all life on the planet. Depending on Genus and species many mycelia lay dormant and will appear as little more than tiny white specks of powder in soil for much of the year. As environmental and atmospheric conditions become more suitable, the mycelium spring into action and start to throw out webs of white filaments in search of nutrients. Once enough nutrients have been gathered the fungi then thinks about flowering and reproduction.

 

Mushrooms and Toadstools

 

Mushrooms (and Toadstools) are the flowering or fruiting bodies of Mycelia. As environmental and atmospheric conditions become ideal each specific variety of fungi starts to generate fruiting bodies in order to reproduce. Different varieties of mushrooms and toadstools therefore flower at different times in the year - which is another positive means of aiding identification. The majority of fungi species in the UK flower from spring to autumn, although many species can still be observed in mild winters.  

 

Initially the mushroom is first generated by the mycelium which pushes out a mass of hypha. This then morphs into a button with a stipe (stalk) beneath it. As the mushroom expands the mycelium converts carbon compounds into glucose compounds to produce chitin. The chitin combined with water provides the fruiting body with stability in the stipe and the cap (top) as the mushroom forms. At which point the fruiting body develops gills beneath the cap, inside which fungal spores are produced.

 

 

Fungal Spores

As environmental and atmospheric conditions peak the cap of the mushroom matures and fungal spores are released. Unlike plant pollen which is sexual and requires male and female gametes in order to reproduce, fungal spores are a-sexual and do not need partnering in order to reproduce active offspring. As a result fungal spores can be found almost everywhere moist on the planet. The ability for specific fungal spore to colonise new areas however depends on the availability of host materials.

Luckily most species of fungi are specific to a host material, where they can grow safely. Likewise the spore of many fungi are too delicate and fragile to persist within any location for more than a few days. Otherwise certain fungal spores may hibernate for months, perhaps years , just waiting for the right conditions to set anchor and develop mycelium, hypha, mushrooms, and spore themselves. Fungal spores are normally carried into new locations by the wind, rainfall, and clumsy mammals. In this way individual species of fungi are able to explore and colonise new areas quickly.   

 

 

Toxicity

One remarkable fact about fungi is their ability to produce some of the most toxic chemicals, often with mind altering effects for the animals (and humans) that consume them. This natural defence mechanism ensures that certain fragile species of fungi reproduce successfully. Such chemical compounds are often so complex that the mother branch of Biology often finds it perplexing to keep up with.

 

Because of the close relation between trees and fungi the pursuit of Mycology therefore rests upon the shoulders of the Arboriculturalists (the tree people),  Soil Scientists (the earth people), and Botanists (the flower people) and but a few Mycologists themselves.

 

The toxicity of fungi in fact extends well beyond the comic book image of Amanita muscaria (common name Fly Agaric) or the more moderately trippy Psilocybe semilanceata (common name Liberty Cap). Certain species of fungi including Amanita pantherina var. pantherina (common name Panther Cap) are so deadly there is no treatment or cure once ingested! Other fungal spores release uncontrollable mycelium which deters other fungi from growing. In the most extreme cases this mycelium invades soils so that no other plant, other than the host plant can live and flourish !

 

 Wherever possible, leave footprints and take photos!