Laura Smith
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing bodies of fungi, which play an essential role in ecosystems as decomposers. They are also a source of sustenance and health for humans, with some species being cultivated and consumed, while others are used for dyeing wool and other natural fibres. While the simple, white button mushroom may be the most recognisable variety, there are over 14,000 named species of mushrooms worldwide, spanning a variety of shapes, colours, sizes and flavours. However, the total number of mushroom species is unknown, with estimates ranging from 2.2 million to 3.8 million.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of mushroom species | 11,000 named species in North America, 14,000 overall |
| Number of microfungi | Much larger than the number of macrofungi |
| Number of fungal species | Between 2.2 million and 3.8 million |
| Number of described fungal species | 150,000 |
| Number of edible mushroom species | 2,100 |
| Number of cultivated edible mushroom species | 1% of the total |
| Number of poisonous mushroom species | Not specified, but only a small number are deadly |
| Number of toxic mushroom species | Not specified, but some produce toxic secondary metabolites |
| Number of mind-altering mushroom species | Not specified, but some produce mind-altering secondary metabolites |
| Number of antibiotic mushroom species | Not specified, but some produce antibiotic secondary metabolites |
| Number of antiviral mushroom species | Not specified, but some produce antiviral secondary metabolites |
| Number of bioluminescent mushroom species | Not specified, but some produce bioluminescent secondary metabolites |
| Number of medicinal mushroom species | Not specified, but the field is young and only about 1,000 known macrofungi |
| Largest producer of edible mushrooms | China |
| Largest exporter of mushrooms | Poland |
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What You'll Learn
There are over 14,000 species of mushroom
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing bodies of fungi. They are classified as such when they appear above the ground or on their food source. While the most recognisable type of mushroom is the simple, white button mushroom, there are over 14,000 species of mushroom, spanning a variety of shapes, colours, sizes and flavours.
The number of mushroom species is hard to estimate as many look alike, and there is no consensus on the application of the term "mushroom". However, the vast majority of mushrooms are not poisonous. There are only a small number of deadly species, and several others can cause severe and unpleasant symptoms. Mushrooms can be distinguished by their unique shapes, fascinating life cycles, and diverse roles in nature and our lives.
The standard for the name "mushroom" is the cultivated white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. However, the word "mushroom" is often used to describe the fleshy fruiting bodies of some Ascomycota. The gills of these mushrooms produce microscopic spores, which help the fungus spread. Forms deviating from the standard morphology usually have more specific names, such as "bolete", "truffle", "puffball", "stinkhorn", and "morel".
Mushrooms have a variety of uses. They can be used for dyeing wool and other natural fibres, as chromophores of mushroom dyes are organic compounds that produce strong and vivid colours. They can also be used as fire starters, and play a role in developing new biological remediation techniques and filtration technologies. In addition, mushrooms are a source of sustenance and health, packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
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Only 5-10% of mushrooms are scientifically described and named
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing bodies of fungi, which typically appear above the ground or on their food source. They play an essential role in ecosystems as decomposers, breaking down organic matter and turning them into rich soil that nourishes new life. They also form symbiotic relationships with plants, sharing nutrients and water, which helps forests and gardens thrive.
While the most recognisable type of mushroom is the simple, white button mushroom, there are over 14,000 named species of mushroom worldwide, spanning a variety of shapes, colours, sizes, and flavours. These include oyster mushrooms, named for their oyster-like shape, and enoki mushrooms, which have long, thin stems and tiny caps. However, it is estimated that there are between 2.2 million and 3.8 million species of fungi, and only about 150,000 of these have been described. This means that only around 5-10% of mushrooms are scientifically described and named.
The lack of scientific description and naming of mushrooms is partly due to the fact that many mushrooms look alike, and it is difficult to distinguish between species. Additionally, much of the continent has not been well mycologised, meaning that there are likely many species of mushrooms that have not yet been discovered or described scientifically.
The process of naming and describing mushrooms is complex and involves using general taxonomic classifications from least specific to most specific: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species. For example, the common button mushroom found in grocery stores is classified as Eukarya, Fungi, Basidiomycota, Agaricomycetes, Agaricales, Agaricaceae, Agaricus, Bisporus. As more research is conducted and new species are discovered, segments of the fungal kingdom are constantly being reclassified and shuffled.
In addition to their ecological and nutritional roles, mushrooms have a variety of other uses. They can be used for dyeing wool and other natural fibres, as well as for medicinal purposes. Mushrooms have been used in traditional herbal remedies and are also being studied for their potential in genetic engineering to enhance their nutritional and medical properties.
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Mushrooms are used for herbal remedies
Mushrooms are a mysterious and diverse group of organisms, with only 5-10% of mushrooms being scientifically described and named. There are approximately 11,000 named species of mushrooms in North America alone, and around 14,000 species of mushrooms overall. However, the number of mushroom species is likely much higher, as many mushrooms look alike and can be easily confused with other species. This makes it challenging to accurately identify and distinguish between different types of mushrooms.
Mushrooms have been used for herbal remedies and medicinal purposes for thousands of years, dating back to ancient times. In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, the Shen Nong Ben Cao, which dates back to around 200 AD, includes several types of medicinal mushrooms that are still in use today. The "mushroom of immortality", Ganoderma lucidum, or ling zhi, has been used in China since ancient times to promote well-being and longevity. It is now listed in the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and is used as an adjuvant in cancer treatment.
The Greek physician Hippocrates, circa 450 BCE, also classified the amadou mushroom (Fomes fomentarius) as a potent anti-inflammatory and for cauterizing wounds. In addition, Cordyceps militaris is traditionally used to increase energy and support the lungs and kidneys, and recent studies have shown its potential in addressing symptoms associated with Long Covid.
Medicinal mushrooms have a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities and health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antidepressive, and anticancer properties. They are also the only non-animal food source that contains significant amounts of vitamin D. The beta-glucans, proteoglycans, and related polysaccharides in mushrooms contribute to their immune-modulating abilities and prebiotic effects on gut flora.
The surge in interest in medicinal mushrooms is due not only to their deep cultural history but also to modern methods for tissue culture of mycelium and testing the activity of individual constituents. As we continue to explore the potential of mushrooms in medicine, they represent a fascinating and promising category of nature's pharmacopoeia.
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Oyster, Enoki, Lion's Mane, and Portobello are some common varieties
There are about 11,000 named species of mushrooms in North America alone, and this is just the macrofungi—the fungi that are large enough to see easily. This number dwarfs the 200 species of birds found in the continent. The number of microfungi is much larger.
Enoki mushrooms, or Flammulina filiformis, have been cultivated in China since 800 AD. They are widely eaten in East Asia and are commonly used in soups, salads, and other dishes. Enoki mushrooms are 88% water, 8% carbohydrates, 3% protein, and contain negligible fat. They are an excellent source of B vitamins, thiamine, niacin, and pantothenic acid.
Lion's Mane mushrooms are big, white mushrooms that resemble a lion's mane. They are used as both food and medicine. They are extensively used in Asian countries such as Korea, Japan, India, and China. They can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked. They are rich in vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, and are a good source of essential minerals such as manganese, zinc, and potassium. Studies suggest that Lion's Mane mushrooms may have a role in the prevention or treatment of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease.
Portobello mushrooms are known for their "'meaty'" factor. They are delicious when grilled and can be used in burgers. They are also used in baked recipes.
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Mushrooms are used for dyeing wool and other natural fibres
Mushrooms can be used to dye wool and other natural fibres. Before the invention of synthetic dyes, mushrooms were the source of many textile dyes. The chromophores of mushroom dyes are organic compounds that produce strong and vivid colours, and all colours of the spectrum can be achieved with mushroom dyes.
There is a long history and tradition of using mushrooms for dyeing. In her book, 'Natural Dyes, Sources, Tradition, Technology and Science', Dominique Cardon traces the use of mushrooms for dyeing back to as early as the 15th century. In more contemporary times, Miriam Rice has been credited with experimenting with, discovering, documenting, and spreading the word about using fungi for dyeing fibres and paper.
Today, there are artists and craftspeople who continue to experiment with mushrooms as dyes, such as Anne Williams of Stonington, Maine, who has been experimenting with mushrooms as dyes for years, using mushrooms that no one else seems to use, and has dyed wool with dozens of species.
There are a large variety of mushrooms that produce dye, and the process of extracting dye from mushrooms differs from mushroom to mushroom, even among mushrooms in the same family. For example, the shingled hedgehog mushroom and related species contain blue-green pigments, which are used for dyeing wool in Norway. The fruiting body of Hydnellum peckii can be used to produce a beige colour when no mordant is used, and shades of blue or green depending on the mordant added. Phaeolus schweinitzii produces green, yellow, gold, or brown colours, depending on the material dyed and the mordant used.
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Frequently asked questions
There are approximately 14,000 known species of mushrooms, but there could be anywhere between 2 to 3 million species of fungi in total.
There are many edible types of mushrooms, including the popular Agaricus bisporus, which is sold in three different forms: white button, cremini, and portabella. Other edible mushrooms include oyster, shiitake, chanterelle, enoki, porcini, lion’s mane, and more. However, it's important to note that not all mushrooms are edible, and consuming certain species can be fatal.
It is estimated that out of the 14,000 known mushroom species, more than 100 are poisonous to humans. Symptoms of consuming poisonous mushrooms can range from mild, such as an upset stomach, to severe, including organ failure and death. Therefore, it is crucial to only consume mushrooms that have been positively identified as edible.
Mushroom production varies by country and type of mushroom, with China being a major producer of edible mushrooms. In the U.S., Agaricus mushrooms accounted for approximately 97% of total mushroom production from 2017 to 2018, with nearly 917 million pounds of mushrooms produced during that period.
While mushrooms are known to contain antioxidants and provide beneficial health-promoting properties, the recommended quantity for optimal health benefits may vary depending on the specific mushroom and individual health considerations. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional or a nutritionist before incorporating a significant amount of mushrooms or any other food item into your diet.
