Emily Johnson
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, or pixie rings, are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are mainly found in forested areas but can also appear in grasslands or rangelands. Fairy rings have been the subject of folklore and superstition for centuries, with various cultures associating them with witches, fairies, and other supernatural beings. However, the scientific explanation for their formation lies in the growth pattern of the underlying fungal mycelium. As the mycelium grows radially and consumes nutrients in the soil, it creates a ring of dead grass, while the nitrogen released during the digestion of organic matter results in a circle of lush green grass. The mushrooms that sprout above the ground are the reproductive parts or fruiting bodies of the fungus. While the exact mechanisms behind fairy ring formation may vary across different species, it is believed that certain environmental conditions, such as homogeneous soil, facilitate their development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Formation | A fairy ring is formed when a fungal spore grows into a mycelium, which sends out a subterranean network of tubular threads called hyphae. |
| Detection | Fairy rings are detectable by sporocarps (fungal spore pods) in rings or arcs, as well as by a necrotic zone (dead grass), or a ring of dark green grass. |
| Growth | The rings may grow to over 10 metres (33 ft) in diameter, and they become stable over time as the fungus grows and seeks food underground. |
| Fungi Types | There are two generally recognised types of fairy ring fungus: "tethered" and "free". Tethered fairy rings are formed with a tree as the main source of carbon, while free fairy rings are formed in grasslands and don't have a central carbon source. |
| Fungi Count | About 60 mushroom species can grow in the fairy ring pattern, with over 140 species documented as being able to form fairy rings. |
| Ecological Impact | Fairy rings can have positive ecological impacts, such as creating empty niches for rare, short-lived species and mycoremediation of heavy metals. |
| Folklore | Fairy rings have inspired folklore and superstitions worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. They are often associated with witches, the Devil, or fairies, and are seen as either hazardous or a sign of good fortune. |
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What You'll Learn
The role of mycelium
Fairy rings are formed by the growth of mycelium, the underground network of tubular threads that make up a single fungal organism. This growth occurs in a radial pattern, with the mycelium expanding spherically in all directions. As the mycelium grows and seeks food underground, it absorbs nutrients from the soil, creating a ring of dead grass or a zone of lush, dark green grass due to the release of nitrogen during the digestion of organic matter. The more mature the mycelium, the more likely it is to fruit, resulting in a ring-shaped fruiting structure known as a fairy ring.
The mushrooms that form the fairy ring are the reproductive parts or "fruiting bodies" of the fungus, similar to the fruit of a plant. They sprout from the mycelium, which acts as the "'roots'" of the fungus, spreading outward and producing a near-perfect circle of mushrooms above ground. As the central mycelium dies out, the edges continue to grow, causing the ring to expand over time.
The formation of fairy rings is influenced by the presence of certain animals, such as rabbits, which crop the grass but do not eat the fungi. This allows the fungi to grow taller relative to the grass. Additionally, rabbit droppings replenish nitrogen levels, supporting the growth of mushrooms.
Fairy rings are typically found in grasslands and forests, with over 60 mushroom species capable of growing in this pattern. They can grow to diameters of over 10 meters (33 feet) and may even reach up to 300 meters (980 feet) in rare cases. The circular formation of fairy rings may also enhance their survival by improving their defence against potential pathogens.
While the exact mechanisms vary among species, fairy rings are generally formed by the growth and behaviour of the mycelium, which creates the distinctive ring-shaped patterns observed in nature.
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Nutrient depletion and plant growth hormones
Fairy rings are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms, mainly found in forested areas but also in grasslands or rangelands. They are detectable by sporocarps (fungal spore pods) in rings or arcs, as well as by a necrotic zone (dead grass) or a ring of dark green grass. The rings may grow to over 10 metres (33 ft) in diameter and become stable over time as the fungus grows and seeks food underground.
The formation of fairy rings has been a subject of scientific inquiry and multiple theories have been proposed to explain the phenomenon. One of the theories pertains to nutrient depletion and plant growth hormones. This theory suggests that fairy rings are formed due to the depletion of readily available nutrients in the soil, such as nitrogen, by the fungi. The nutrient depletion causes stress in the plants growing within the circle, leading to plant discoloration and, in some cases, plant death.
The fungi also produce chemicals that act like hormones, known as gibberellins, which affect plant growth. These gibberellins cause rapid and luxuriant growth in plants, leading to the formation of a ring of dark green grass around the fairy ring. Additionally, certain compounds produced by the fungi, such as 2-azahypoxanthine (AHX) and imidazole-4-carboxamide (ICA), have been shown to enhance plant growth and productivity under certain conditions. These compounds are believed to belong to an unknown family of plant hormones.
Furthermore, the role of phytostimulants as drivers of plant stimulation has been studied in the context of fairy rings. In the case of the fungus Lepista sordida, the compounds known as "fairy chemicals" acted similarly to auxin-like hormones and induced incremented growth in different plant species. These "fairy chemicals" are also known as phytostimulants and have been shown to have positive effects on plant growth, promoting the production of hormone-like phytostimulants.
While the nutrient depletion and plant growth hormone theory provides insights into the formation of fairy rings, it is important to note that the process is complex and influenced by various factors, including soil homogeneity, environmental conditions, and the presence of other organisms such as rabbits, which can impact the nutrient levels in the soil.
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Superstitions and folklore
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings, or pixie rings, are a naturally occurring phenomenon. They are rings or arcs of mushrooms that form in forested areas, grasslands, or rangelands. These rings have been the subject of folklore and superstition for centuries, with stories and beliefs surrounding their formation and the potential dangers associated with them.
In Western European traditions, including English, Scandinavian, and Celtic folklore, fairy rings are believed to be created by the dancing of fairies, elves, or pixies. The term "elf-ring" dates back to the 12th century in Middle English, indicating the long history of this belief. These rings were seen as portals between the fairy realm and the human world, and it was considered dangerous to enter them, with various superstitions warning of dire consequences for those who dared to step inside.
In German folklore, fairy rings are called "Hexenringe," or witches' rings, believed to be the site of witches' dancing on Walpurgis Night. Old Dutch superstitions also associate these rings with the Devil, claiming that they are the places where he churns his milk. French tradition mentions giant bug-eyed toads guarding these circles, cursing those who violate them.
Fairy rings are also associated with dragons in some folklore. In Tyrol, it is believed that the fiery tails of flying dragons create these circles, and nothing but toadstools can grow there for seven years. In Austria, similar beliefs attribute the formation of fairy rings to dragons.
The sudden appearance of mushroom rings, seemingly overnight or with no apparent cause, has contributed to their mysterious nature and the development of superstitions. In Wales, for example, people were wary of stepping inside the rings, fearing that fairies would make them dance to exhaustion or death. In Scotland and Wales, stories about fairy rings persisted into the late 20th century, with some people claiming to have joined fairy dances.
While the scientific understanding of fungi and mushrooms has advanced, the folklore and superstitions surrounding fairy rings continue to capture the imagination, with people either delighting in their mysterious beauty or considering them a nuisance on their lawns.
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Formation in forests and grasslands
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings or pixie rings, are mainly found in forested areas, but they also appear in grasslands or rangelands. They are detectable by sporocarps (fungal spore pods) in rings or arcs, as well as by a necrotic zone (dead grass) or a ring of dark green grass. The rings may grow to over 10 metres (33 ft) in diameter and become stable over time as the fungus grows and seeks food underground.
Fairy rings are formed when a fungal spore grows into a mycelium—the underground threads that form a single fungal organism—and sends out a subterranean network of tubular threads called hyphae. The hyphae that make up the mycelium grow evenly in all directions and then produce a near-perfect circle of "fruiting bodies" (mushrooms) above the ground. When the central mycelium eventually dies out, the edges keep growing, and the ring gets wider every year.
The circular formation of fairy rings improves their chances of survival against potential pathogens. They develop only if the soil they consume is homogenous. The mushrooms deplete the soil of readily available nutrients such as nitrogen, causing plants growing within the circle to be stressed, which leads to plant discoloration. Some fungi also produce chemicals that act like hormones called gibberellins, which affect plant growth, causing rapid luxuriant growth.
There are two generally recognised types of fairy ring fungus: "tethered" and "free". Tethered fairy rings are formed with a tree as the main source of carbon in the centre, while free fairy rings are formed in grasslands and don't have a central carbon source.
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Identification methods
Fairy rings can be identified by looking for the following:
- Sporocarps (fungal spore pods) in rings or arcs.
- A necrotic zone (dead grass) or a ring of dark green grass.
- The presence of mushrooms in a ring or arc formation.
- The presence of fungus mycelium in the ring or arc underneath.
- The diameter of the ring, which can be up to 10 metres (33 feet) or even more.
- The type of mushroom present, as certain species are known to form fairy rings, such as Marasmius oreades, commonly known as the fairy ring mushroom or Scotch bonnet.
- The environmental conditions, as fairy rings are commonly found in forests, grasslands, or rangelands.
- The effects on the surrounding vegetation, as fairy rings can cause plant discoloration and affect plant growth due to the depletion of nutrients in the soil.
Additionally, soil analysis can be performed to identify the presence of halogenated low molecular weight organic compounds, which may be metabolites or pollutants, as well as other chemical compounds produced by the fungi.
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Frequently asked questions
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings or pixie rings, are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are found mainly in forested areas but also appear in grasslands or rangelands.
Fairy rings are formed when a fungal spore grows into a mycelium—the underground threads that form a single fungal organism—and sends out a subterranean network of tubular threads called hyphae. The hyphae that make up the mycelium grow evenly in all directions and then produce a near-perfect circle of “fruiting bodies”—mushrooms—above ground.
A mycelium is the underground network of threads that form a single fungal organism. They grow radially, using up the nutrients in the soil and creating a ring of dead grass. The mushrooms that grow above ground are the reproductive parts of the fungus, like fruit in plants.
Fairy rings have inspired superstition and folklore worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. They are seen as hazardous places linked with witches or the Devil, or as a sign of good fortune. In Britain, people were wary of stepping into fairy rings, as it was believed that fairies would make them dance until they died of exhaustion.
It is unclear why not all fungi form fairy rings. One theory suggests that the effects of some fungi are not strong enough to affect the vegetation, so they may form rings that are not visible to us.
