Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a fascinating member of the fungi kingdom, with a vast network of thin threads called mycelium that can spread for acres underneath. While there are only tens of thousands of known mushroom species, researchers estimate that there are at least 6,280,000 species on Earth, highlighting the immense diversity within this group. Mushrooms have served various purposes throughout history, from culinary delights to medicinal applications, and they continue to intrigue scientists with their potential benefits to human health and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Estimated number of mushroom species | 6,280,000 |
| Number of described mushrooms | Tens of thousands |
| Number of species with medicinal properties | Many |
| Number of species with gourmet properties | Many |
| Number of species with psychedelic properties | 200 |
| Number of species with bioluminescent properties | At least 1 (Ghost mushroom) |
| Number of plants that form mycorrhizal partnerships with fungi | 95% |
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What You'll Learn
There are at least 6,280,000 species of fungi on Earth
Mushrooms are part of the fungi family, which is a kingdom of its own, separate from plants. Fungi cells are surprisingly similar to human cells. According to research, there are at least 6,280,000 species of fungi on Earth. This estimate was calculated by researchers from the Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, who used the GlobalFungi database, the largest existing database of fungal observations.
The total number of fungi species on Earth can be estimated based on knowledge of their biology, such as the number of host plants. Previous estimates of the number of species ranged from 2 to 4 million. The majority of the estimated species are sac fungi, such as truffles and yeast, and stem spores, which include popular fungi that form aboveground fruiting bodies, such as toadstools.
Mushrooms are the fruit body of fungi, living a short lifespan to produce spores so that the fungus can spread. They have a mutually beneficial relationship with plants, as they provide fungi with carbon-rich sugars, and in return, fungi provide plants with nutrients taken from the soil. This relationship is made possible through mycelial networks, which also allow different plants in a forest to communicate.
There are many different types of mushrooms, some with gourmet and medicinal applications, and others known for their unique appearance. For example, the lobster mushroom is a fruit body of a Russula or Lactarius mushroom that has been deformed by the parasitic fungus Hypomyces lactifluorum, giving it an unusual shape and red colour that resembles a boiled lobster. Other types of mushrooms include psychedelic mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, which contain psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin.
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Fungi are a separate kingdom from plants
Fungi, including mushrooms, form a separate kingdom from plants. Fungi were once considered part of the plant kingdom due to similarities in lifestyle and morphology. Both fungi and plants are mainly immobile, often grow in soil, and can form conspicuous fruit bodies that sometimes resemble plants such as mosses. However, fungi are now recognised as a distinct kingdom, separate from both plants and animals.
Fungi are distinguished from plants by several unique structural and physiological features. Unlike plants, fungi lack chlorophyll and are unable to photosynthesise. Instead, they are heterotrophs, acquiring their food by absorbing dissolved molecules and secreting digestive enzymes into their environment. Fungi reproduce by forming and releasing spores, which are commonly produced through the fragmentation of the mycelium or within specialised structures. These spores are the main reproductive units for fungi and are usually single cells. They may be produced through asexual or sexual reproduction.
Fungi also contain a substance called chitin in their cell walls, which is a characteristic that separates them from plants, bacteria, and some protists. Chitin is a polysaccharide that gives hardness to the external skeletons of lobsters, insects, spiders, and other arthropods. Fungi consist of thin threads known as mycelium, which connect different plants in a forest. They have a mutually beneficial relationship with plants, exchanging goods and helping plants communicate with each other.
While the true biodiversity of the fungus kingdom is not fully known, it has been estimated to contain between 2.2 million and 3.8 million species, with some estimates ranging as high as 6 million species. Of these, only about 144,000 to 148,000 species have been described, with over 8,000 species known to be detrimental to plants and at least 300 pathogenic to humans. Fungi have a wide range of uses, including in medicine, biotechnology, and the production of industrial chemicals and enzymes.
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Mushrooms have medicinal and gourmet uses
It is estimated that there are around 144,000 species of mushrooms on Earth, but this number may be conservative as new species are constantly being discovered and identified. This vast kingdom of fungi includes everything from poisonous toadstools to magical psilocybin-containing varieties and those with culinary and medicinal properties. The focus here is on the latter—the gourmet and medicinal mushrooms that have been used and valued by humans for thousands of years.
Mushrooms have a long history of culinary use, with many cultures embracing their unique flavors and textures. The ancient Romans considered mushrooms a delicacy, and they have been used in Asian cuisine for millennia. Today, gourmet mushrooms are sought after by chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Species such as oyster, shiitake, and lion's mane are prized for their distinct flavors and meat-like textures. These mushrooms can be sautéed, grilled, or even used as a plant-based meat alternative due to their savory taste and versatile nature.
The medicinal uses of mushrooms are equally impressive and have been recognized in traditional healing practices worldwide. Modern science is now validating these traditional uses, identifying a range of bioactive compounds in mushrooms that offer potential health benefits. For example, certain mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans, a type of fiber with immune-boosting properties. These compounds can stimulate the activity of certain immune cells, enhancing our defense against pathogens and potentially even supporting cancer treatment.
One of the most well-known medicinal mushrooms is Ganoderma lucidum, or reishi. Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, reishi is believed to possess a wide range of therapeutic properties. It has been used to promote longevity and vitality, support immune function, and improve mood and cognitive function. Modern research has identified triterpenoids and polysaccharides in reishi as the key compounds responsible for these effects.
In addition to reishi, other medicinal mushrooms gaining attention include cordyceps, chaga, and lion's mane. Cordyceps, for example, is used to enhance athletic performance and boost energy levels due to its purported effects on oxygen utilization and fatigue reduction. Lion's mane, on the other hand, is known for its neuroprotective properties, with studies suggesting it may improve cognitive function and even support nerve regeneration.
The culinary and medicinal uses of mushrooms showcase the incredible versatility and potential of these fungi. With ongoing research, we are likely to discover even more benefits that this diverse kingdom has to offer. As consumers become increasingly conscious of the impact of their dietary and health choices, mushrooms are poised to play an even greater role in our lives, offering delicious and natural solutions for gourmet cooking and holistic wellness.
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Some mushrooms are bioluminescent
Mushrooms are part of the fungi family, a kingdom of its own, separate from plants. While there are only tens of thousands of described mushrooms, researchers estimate that there are at least 6,280,000 species on Earth.
Scientists have identified four enzymes involved in the fungal bioluminescent pathway: luciferase, which catalyzes the oxidation of the compound luciferin, resulting in light emission, and three other enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of luciferin. More than 70 fungal species can glow in the dark, and they do so for various reasons. One hypothesis suggests that glowing mushroom caps may discourage animals from eating them. However, most mushrooms emit light to attract insects that help spread their spores.
Bioluminescent mushrooms have significant potential in horticulture and tourism. In horticultural landscape design, they create a unique nighttime ambiance, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens through their natural glow. In tourism, they form enchanting mushroom gardens or designated viewing spots, captivating visitors and potentially boosting local economies.
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There are about 200 species of psychedelic mushrooms distributed worldwide, including magic mushrooms
Mushrooms are part of the fungi family, which is a kingdom of its own, separate from plants. Fungi are made up of mushrooms, lichen, yeast, plant rusts, moulds, and smut. While there are only tens of thousands of described mushrooms, researchers estimate that there are at least 6,280,000 species of fungi on Earth.
One notable type of mushroom is the psychedelic mushroom, of which there are about 200 species distributed worldwide, including magic mushrooms. Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in a dozen other genera, including Copelandia, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for hundreds, possibly thousands, of years by Indigenous groups around the world. They are often considered sacred and have been important for healing, divination, and spiritual rites in a number of cultures. For example, rock art from c. 9000–7000 BCE in Algeria is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and their effects on users. Similarly, prehistoric rock art in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals 6,000 years ago. In the 21st century, psilocybin mushrooms have been tested as a treatment for chronic mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
While psilocybin mushrooms can induce hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality, they are also being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits. The active components in these mushrooms may break old neural connections and create new ones, potentially reducing negative or obsessive thinking and fostering more positive behaviors.
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Frequently asked questions
Researchers from the Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic estimate that there are at least 6,280,000 species of fungi on Earth, with only tens of thousands of these being described mushrooms.
Some common types of mushrooms include Cremini, Oyster, Maitake, Turkey Tail, and Giant Puffball.
Reishi mushrooms are highly prized in Chinese medicine and are now the subject of many medical studies. Maitake mushrooms are also known for their anti-tumor properties.
Psilocybe Mexicana, Psilocybe azurescens, and Psilocybe cyanescens are some examples of psychedelic mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms.
