Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, but not all fungi are mushrooms. Mushrooms are the fruit bodies of members of the order Agaricales, whose type genus is Agaricus and type species is the field mushroom, Agaricus campestris. The word mushroom is most commonly used to refer to fungi with a stem (stipe), a cap (pileus), and gills (lamellae) on the underside of the cap. These gills produce microscopic spores, which aid in the fungus's spread. Mushrooms can be used for dyeing wool and other natural fibres, as well as playing a role in the development of new biological remediation techniques and filtration technologies. Some mushrooms are also known for their medicinal properties, such as immune-enhancing and anti-cancer effects. However, it is important to note that not all mushrooms are safe for consumption, and proper identification is crucial before ingesting any wild mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are all mushrooms fungi? | Yes |
| Are all fungi mushrooms? | No |
| Definition of Mycology | The scientific study of fungi |
| Definition of Mushroom | The fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground on soil or another food source |
| Definition of Fungi | A group of all the fungi present in a particular region is known as mycobiota |
| Mushroom Identification | Requires a basic understanding of their macroscopic structure. Most are basidiomycetes and gilled |
| Fungi Identification | Fungi are incredibly diverse and different species can look very similar, therefore mindfulness and attention to detail are important traits for even the most experienced mycologist |
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What You'll Learn
Not all fungi are mushrooms
While all mushrooms are fungi, not all fungi are mushrooms. Mushrooms are the fruit bodies of members of the order Agaricales, and the word "mushroom" is most often applied to those fungi that have a stem (stipe), a cap (pileus), and gills (lamellae) on the underside of the cap. However, the term "mushroom" is also used to describe a variety of other gilled fungi, with or without stems. These gilled mushrooms are often called "agarics".
Some well-known mushrooms include the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), oyster mushrooms (genus Pleurotus), and shiitake (Lentinula edodes). Wild edibles include the porcini (Boletus edulis) and the chanterelles (genus Cantharellus). The standard for the name "mushroom" is the cultivated white button mushroom.
However, not all fungi fit this description. For example, the Turkey Tail fungus grows out of the trunk of a fallen tree and does not resemble a mushroom. Similarly, the Tinder Polypore grows from the side of a healthy tree and does not have the typical mushroom shape. These variations in shape and growth patterns demonstrate that not all fungi are mushrooms.
Furthermore, the delineation between edible and poisonous fungi is not always clear-cut. While the term toadstool generally refers to a poisonous mushroom, the identification of whether a fungus is a mushroom or not requires a basic understanding of its macroscopic structure. This includes examining the underside of the cap, where the fertile surface with spores, called the hymenial layer, is often found. The presence of an annulus (a skirt of tissue) or a volva (a sack of tissue) can also be indicators, as some fungi have one or both, while some have none.
In summary, while all mushrooms are classified as fungi, the term "mushroom" specifically refers to a particular structure and shape of the fungus. Fungi exhibit a wide variety of forms and growth patterns, and many do not fit the description of a mushroom. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between mushrooms and other types of fungi.
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Identifying mushrooms
Mushrooms are a type of fungi, but not all fungi are mushrooms. The scientific study of fungi is called mycology. Fungi are incredibly diverse, and different species can look very similar, so mindfulness and attention to detail are important traits for identifying mushrooms. Here are some tips for identifying mushrooms:
First, note the substrate, or the material that the fungus is growing from. Some fungi only grow in soil, some on living trees, and some on rotting wood. Knowing the substrate can help you understand the mushroom's ecology and get closer to identifying it.
Second, examine the mushroom's cap and underside. The underside of the cap is often where the fertile surface is located, called the hymenial layer, where spores are formed. Some mushrooms have gills under the cap, while others have small "teeth" or spines. Gills can end when the stipe begins, or they can run down the length of the stem. Some gills fork into a Y-shape, and some alternate between a full-length gill and a short, partial gill.
Third, look for an annulus, which is a skirt of tissue around the circumference of the mushroom's stipe, or a volva, which is a sack of tissue at the base of the stipe. Some mushrooms have an annulus, some have a volva, and some have neither. Amanita species often have both an annulus and a volva, but many species in this genus are poisonous, so be cautious.
Fourth, some mushrooms display a chemical reaction when exposed to certain substances, while others are distinguished by microscopic characteristics.
Finally, it is important to consult a highly-rated guidebook for your region when identifying mushrooms. Remember, never eat any mushrooms that you are not 100% sure are safe.
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Mushroom hunting
When going mushroom hunting, it is important to be prepared and stay safe. It is recommended to wear durable and nature-coloured or camouflage clothing to protect against rough terrain and to help stay hidden. Personal protection against insects and ticks is also crucial, so consider pre-treating clothes with bug spray and carrying mosquito repellent. Be cautious when reaching around logs and tree trunks, as snakes may be present in the same areas where mushrooms thrive. It is always a good idea to go mushroom hunting with a friend or expert who can help with identification and confirmation.
Timing and weather conditions are also important factors to consider when mushroom hunting. For example, black morels, which are typically the first mushrooms to appear in spring, usually start to show at the end of April or beginning of May after a period of above-freezing temperatures and some rain. False morels, which can resemble true morels but may cause stomach aches, tend to bloom a few weeks before true morels, so doing some research on the mushroom species in your area before heading out can be helpful. Additionally, some mushrooms may grow on private or public land near dying trees such as elms, ash, and apple trees, which provide the decaying root material that mushrooms feed on.
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Mushrooms as medicine
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years. The Greek physician Hippocrates, circa 450 BCE, classified the amadou mushroom as a potent anti-inflammatory and for cauterizing wounds. Other ancient examples include the alchemist Tao Hongjing, from the 5th century, who described several medicinal mushrooms, including ling zhi and zhu ling, and Ötzi, the Ice Man, who lived nearly 5300 years ago and carried amadou and a birch polypore to help him survive in the Alps of northern Italy. The First Peoples of North America also used puffball mushrooms as wound healers.
Mushrooms produce a diverse array of chemicals to flourish in the wild, and many of these chemicals are also active in humans. This is an evolutionary advantage for humans, as we can use mushrooms for medicine. For example, mushrooms can be used to treat infections, such as in the case of dermatophytic and keratinophilic fungi, which can cause local infections like ringworm and athlete's foot.
Modern science has only recently begun to rediscover the medicinal properties of mushrooms that ancient cultures knew long ago. Using solvents different from water is helping to unveil new sets of active constituents. As we have recognized the value of mushrooms, we have started to cultivate them to further exploit their medicinal purposes.
However, it is important to note that some mushrooms can be toxic, and consuming the wrong type of mushroom can be dangerous.
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Mushrooms as food
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that has been consumed and used as medicine for thousands of years. They are neither plant nor animal food, but they are considered an under-appreciated food. They are cultivated in at least 60 countries, with China leading the world in mushroom production.
Mushrooms are low in calories, carbohydrates, fat, and sodium, and they are cholesterol-free. They are also a good source of protein, selenium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin D, and fiber. The vitamin D content in mushrooms depends on their exposure to UV light. For example, wild mushrooms like chanterelles and morels are estimated to contain up to 1200 IU of vitamin D per 3.5-ounce serving, while mushrooms grown in the dark contain less.
Mushrooms also contain polysaccharides, which act as prebiotics and stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Additionally, they contain non-nutritive substances such as polysaccharides, indoles, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects in cell and animal studies.
However, it is important to exercise caution when consuming mushrooms. Some mushrooms that are edible for most people can cause allergic reactions in others. Old or improperly stored mushrooms can go rancid and cause food poisoning. Wild mushrooms must be correctly identified before consumption, as some species are deadly poisonous, such as the genus Amanita, which includes the death cap. Mushrooms can also absorb chemicals from polluted locations, accumulating pollutants and heavy metals like arsenic and iron, which can be lethal.
Mushroom hunting is a fun activity, but it is important to be detail-oriented as different species can look very similar. It is recommended to confirm the identification of wild mushrooms with an expert before consuming them.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all mushrooms are fungi, but not all fungi are mushrooms. Fungi that produce mushrooms play a similar role to a flower or a fruit in plants.
Some common examples of mushrooms include the white button mushroom, oyster mushrooms, shiitake, chanterelle, and the horn-of-plenty mushroom.
Mushrooms have been used for various purposes beyond consumption. They can be used for dyeing wool and other natural fibers, as fire starters, and in the development of new biological remediation techniques and filtration technologies.
Yes, some mushrooms are toxic and can cause hallucinations. These are often referred to as "toadstools." However, delineating between edible and poisonous fungi is not always clear-cut, and proper identification requires a basic understanding of their macroscopic structure.
