Mushroom Mysteries: Do They Have Hair?

Mushrooms are a fascinating type of fungus with a unique anatomy. While the common perception of a mushroom includes a cap and stem, some mushrooms, like Shimeji, have small hairs on their undersides. These hairs are actually the mushroom's mycelium, which is harmless and will not affect the taste of the mushroom. Additionally, certain species of mushrooms, such as Spinellus and Syzygites megalocarpus, are characterized by multi-branched sporangiophores that give them a hairy appearance. These fungi parasitize other mushrooms, and their sporangiophores can initially appear deep yellow before turning a bluish-gray mold color over time.

Shimeji mushrooms have small hairs, which are safe to eat

Shimeji mushrooms are a series of edible fungi species found mainly in Japan and other parts of Asia. They are also present in North America and Europe, though in smaller quantities. Shimeji mushrooms have small hairs, which are safe to eat. These hairs are called mycelium, and they are minuscule hyphae that make up mycelial networks that can spread out for miles. Mushrooms are not plants or animals, but a collection of species that belong to the fungi kingdom.

Beneath the surface, Shimeji mushrooms have these minuscule hyphae that make up the mycelial networks. The mushrooms we see growing from the ground or trees are only a small part of the fungi's anatomy. Shimeji mushrooms are known for their delicate flavor and unique appearance, and they have gained popularity in culinary circles worldwide. They are low in calories and fat, making them a good option for those watching their weight. They are also a good source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber.

Shimeji mushrooms have a thick stem that tapers towards the base, and their length varies among specimens. While "Shimeji mushroom" is an umbrella term, most experts agree that the "authentic" Shimeji species is Hypsizygus tessulatus (H. tessulatus). This species is known for its nutty flavor and oyster-like appearance. It has gained popularity due to its potential health benefits, including reducing blood pressure and cholesterol.

It is important to note that Shimeji mushrooms should not be eaten raw and must be washed thoroughly before cooking. Wild mushrooms may contain dangerous toxins from the environment, so proper cleaning is crucial. Shimeji mushrooms can be used in various recipes, either alone or in combination with other mushrooms. A stir-fry containing Shimeji mushrooms, other fungi, vegetables, and soy sauce can be a great way to introduce someone to these unique fungi.

Spinellus and Syzygites megalocarpus mushrooms can appear hairy due to parasites

Mushrooms are a collection of species that belong to the fungi kingdom. They have four primary structures: the cap, stem, gills or pores, and spores. Some mushrooms, like Spinellus fusiger, are parasites that infect other mushrooms. Spinellus fusiger is a zygomycete parasite that infects several agarics (mushrooms), mainly Mycena species. It is characterized by dark, round sporangia at the ends of the filaments that contain spores. When mature, these spores are released to find new host mushrooms to infect. The lifecycle of Spinellus fusiger is dependent on the life cycles of its host mushrooms. It begins when the spores of Spinellus land on a suitable host, such as a freshly emerged Mycena mushroom. The spores then germinate and produce hyphae that penetrate the mushroom's outer layers to draw nutrients from the host. The hyphae grow outward, forming the characteristic sporangiophores that give Spinellus its pin-like appearance.

Syzygites megalocarpus is another example of a fungus that can appear hairy due to its parasitic nature. It is a monotypic genus in Zygomycota and was the first fungus for which sex was reported. Syzygites megalocarpus is a homothallic fungus, meaning each individual contains both mating loci and can self-fertilize to form zygospores. It is a necrotrophic parasite of mushrooms in temperate regions. The presence of carotenoids can give the mycelium a yellowish appearance, while mature sporangia darken, giving it a brownish colour.

Both Spinellus fusiger and Syzygites megalocarpus can appear hairy due to the presence of spores and sporangiophores that cover the host mushroom. In the case of Spinellus fusiger, the black sporangia at the tips of the white filaments contrast sharply with the lighter mushroom cap, creating a dramatic, miniature landscape. While the host mushroom may appear weakened by the parasitic interaction, it often survives long enough to complete its reproductive cycle and spread its spores. This parasitic relationship is fascinating because it showcases the complexity of fungal interactions and the diverse and adaptable nature of fungal lifestyles.

Oyster mushrooms can be grown using human hair waste fibre

Mushrooms are a collection of species that belong to the fungi kingdom. They have four primary structures, the most common being a cap and stem. This structure, known as the fruiting body, only exists for a short period and serves the function of spreading spores at the end of the mushroom's life cycle.

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are a type of mushroom that can be grown in different environmental conditions and various types of non-composted lignocellulosic wastes. They can grow on a variety of substrates, and one innovative experiment has shown that they can be grown using human hair waste fibre.

Osarode Stephen Odemwingie, a masters student, innovator and photographer, has been experimenting with growing mushrooms using hair waste. Odemwingie's project focuses on the availability of human hair waste fibre as a nitrogen supplement for growing mushrooms. He chose to test the suitability of pulverised human hair waste fibre for oyster mushroom production, as these mushrooms are known to grow on a variety of substrates.

To prepare the hair waste fibre, Odemwingie took it to a mill to be pulverised into dust. This process breaks down the hair fibre, making it accessible to microbial attack. He then added a small amount of calcium hydroxide to create a slightly alkaline environment, aiding the breakdown of the proteins in the human hair. Finally, he mixed sawdust and calcium carbonate at varying levels to create a suitable substrate for the mycelium.

The results of Odemwingie's experiment were impressive. He tested five different growing treatments, each with a different ratio of sawdust to hair waste fibre. The treatment with 10% hair waste fibre produced mushrooms in the shortest time of 43 days. This project highlights the potential for using keratin-based proteins in mushroom production and offers an innovative way to recycle hair waste.

Mushrooms are part of the fungi kingdom and are not plants or animals

Mushrooms are part of the fungi kingdom, which includes around 144,000 known species of organisms, such as yeasts, rusts, smuts, mildews, and moulds. Fungi are distinct from plants and animals in several ways. Firstly, they lack chlorophyll, which is a unifying feature of plants that allows them to produce food. Fungi also have unique structural and physiological characteristics, including the presence of membrane-bound organelles and distinct cell wall and cell membrane compositions.

While mushrooms are often thought of as vegetables due to their culinary usage, they are not plants. Mushrooms were long classified as plants, but this changed about 50 years ago when they were recognised as belonging to the fungi kingdom. Early taxonomists, including the "father of modern taxonomy" Carl Linnaeus, classified living organisms into two categories: plants and animals. However, this classification was based on observable similarities rather than evolutionary relationships.

Fungi are more closely related to animals than to plants, and they form a clade called opisthokonta. This classification is supported by molecular evidence and computational phylogenetics, which reveal that fungi share a common ancestor with animals. Additionally, fungi are distinguished from plants and animals by their modes of growth and nutrient intake. Fungi grow from the tips of filaments (hyphae) that make up their bodies (mycelia), and they externally digest organic matter before absorbing it into their mycelia.

The visible part of a mushroom, known as the fruiting body, is only a small part of the fungus. Beneath the surface, mushrooms have minuscule hyphae that form extensive mycelial networks. The primary function of the mushroom is to spread spores at the end of its life cycle, which can then produce new mushrooms. These spores are safe to eat and can be wiped off with a wet cloth or paper towel.

The common appearance of a mushroom consists of a cap and stem

Mushrooms are a unique food source as they are a type of fungus, and humans typically only eat this type of fungus. Fungi are distinct from plants because they do not contain chlorophyll, which is the green pigment that allows plants to create energy from sunlight. Instead, mushrooms absorb nutrients from their environment.

The part of the mushroom that we eat is actually the "fruit" of the fungi. Mushrooms (or fruiting bodies) have four primary structures. The common appearance of a mushroom that most people are familiar with consists of a cap and stem. This structure is also known as a sporophore. The cap, or pileus, is the structure on top of the mushroom that holds the gills or pores. The gills are attached to the stem or free, where they never reach or attach to the stem. They can have various forking or branching patterns. The caps can be smooth or covered with scales or teeth, and they come in different shapes, sizes, colours, and textures.

Beneath the cap of many common mushrooms, you’ll find either gills (also known as lamellae), pores, ridges, or teeth. These are the parts of a mushroom’s anatomy that produce and release spores. The toadstool mushroom, which most people picture when they think of a mushroom, contains a cap, stem, and gills.

Mushrooms are alive even after harvesting and packaging. Sometimes, when the conditions, temperature, and humidity are favourable, the mushrooms release their spores, which rapidly grow into white fuzz called mycelium. Despite their appearance, they are safe to eat and can be wiped off with a wet cloth or paper towel.

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