Michael Davis
Fairy circles, also known as fairy rings, are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are found mainly in forested areas but can also appear in grasslands or rangelands. The cause of these fairy circles has been the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, with some cultures believing they are caused by fairies or elves dancing in a circle, while others believe they are portals to another world. However, the scientific explanation involves the growth of certain fungi that feed on decaying organic matter, such as tree stumps, logs, leaves, or roots buried in the soil. The mushrooms that grow in a circle are just the reproductive parts, with the majority of the fungi underground in a web-like structure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Formation | Fairy circles are formed by the underground presence of fungi, which grow outward from a central point. |
| Fungi Involved | About 60 mushroom species can grow in the fairy ring pattern, including the Scotch bonnet (Marasmius oreades), Calvatia cyathiformis, Leucopaxillus giganteus, Infundibulicybe geotropa, and Calocybe gambosa. |
| Impact on Grass | The type of fungus determines the effect on the grass; for example, Calvatia cyathiformis causes abundant grass growth, while Leucopaxillus giganteus makes the grass wither. |
| Nutrient Availability | Fungi deplete the soil of readily available nutrients like nitrogen, causing stress and discoloration in plants. |
| Soil Type | Three types of fairy rings are classified based on soil type, the specific fungus involved, and environmental conditions. |
| Rabbit Involvement | Long-term observations suggest that the cycle of fairy rings depends on the continuous presence of rabbits, which crop grass and produce nitrogen-rich droppings that replenish nitrogen levels. |
| Diameter | Fairy rings can grow to over 10 meters (33 feet) in diameter. |
| Folklore | Fairy circles are associated with folklore and mythology worldwide, often linked to fairies, elves, witches, or the Devil. |
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What You'll Learn
Nutrient depletion by fungi
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings, or pixie rings, are rings or arcs of mushrooms that occur naturally in forested areas, grasslands, or rangelands. They are formed by the growth of certain fungi species that feed on decaying organic matter, such as tree stumps, logs, leaves, or roots, buried in the soil.
One of the key factors contributing to the formation of fairy rings is nutrient depletion by fungi. Fungi, through the secretion of enzymes from the tips of their hyphae (thread-like branching filaments), absorb nutrients from the surrounding soil. This process can deplete the soil of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen. As a result, plants within the circle experience stress, leading to discoloration and, in some cases, withering or death.
The nutrient depletion caused by fungi plays a significant role in the dynamics of fairy rings. Initially, the mycelium (spawn) of a mushroom falls into a favourable spot and sends out hyphae that grow outward in all directions, forming a circular pattern. As the fungus grows and seeks food underground, the ring expands, and subsequent generations of fungi grow outward. However, the parent generations deplete the local nitrogen levels, causing the rings to become stable over time.
In some cases, the presence of rabbits can influence the development of secondary rings within fairy circles. Rabbits crop the grass within the circle but do not consume the fungi. As they continue to graze, they create space for the fungi to grow taller relative to the grass. Additionally, their nitrogen-rich droppings replenish nitrogen levels near the centre of the circle. Once sufficient nitrogen is available, a new generation of fungi may begin to grow, forming a secondary ring within the original ring.
The depletion of nitrogen and other nutrients in the soil by fungi has a direct impact on the plants and grass within the fairy ring. Different species of fungi can have varying effects on grass growth. For example, while Calvatia cyathiformis leads to more abundant grass growth, Leucopaxillus giganteus causes the grass to wither. This results in the characteristic necrotic zone, or dead grass, observed in fairy rings.
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Grass type and growth
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings, or pixie rings, are rings of grass that can be up to 15 feet in diameter and have a distinct colour or texture compared to the surrounding grass. They are caused by certain fungi that feed on decaying organic matter, such as tree stumps, logs, leaves, or roots buried in the soil. The type of grass in a fairy ring depends on the type of fungus that is growing. For example, when Calvatia cyathiformis is present, the grass grows more abundantly, whereas Leucopaxillus giganteus causes the grass to wither.
Fairy rings can be classified into three types, depending on soil type, the specific fungus involved, and environmental conditions. Type 1 fairy rings are the most common on golf course putting greens and are also found on home lawns. They cause the grass to brown and die due to reduced water absorption by the soil. Type 2 fairy rings efficiently decay organic matter, releasing nitrogen that promotes lush grass growth, leading to a dense green ring of grass. Type 3 fairy rings feature rings of mushrooms that appear during wet periods, particularly in the fall. These mushrooms may be poisonous and should not be eaten.
Fairy circles are also observed in arid grasslands, such as in the Namib desert in western Southern Africa and in parts of Western Australia. These circles are barren patches of land, typically surrounded by a ring of stimulated grass growth. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain their origins, including the activities of termites or the natural competition between different types of grasses. For example, sand termites create fairy circles by consuming vegetation and burrowing in the soil, allowing water to accumulate underground and promoting grass growth around the circle.
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Folklore and myth
Fairy circles, also known as fairy rings, have been the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. The sudden appearance of a ring of mushrooms has long been associated with otherworldly presences. These shapes have a long history in European folklore, with different cultures believing they represent different things.
In English, Celtic, and German folklore, fairy rings were caused by fairies, elves, or witches dancing in a circle. In German folklore, fairy rings were known as "witches' rings" and were believed to be the place where witches gathered and danced on Walpurgis Night, a spring celebration taking place exactly six months before Halloween. In Austrian mythology, fairy rings were believed to be created by dragons burning circular rings into the forest floor with their fiery tails. French folklore believed the strange circles were guarded by giant toads that would curse anyone that happened into the ring. Dutch legends held that the barren centre of the ring was caused by the devil placing his milk churn there, causing any cows that entered to produce milk that turned sour.
In Wales, the rings are known as cylch y tylwyth teg and are considered locations of fertility and fortune, with crops and livestock nearby expected to flourish. Welsh folklore also holds that the rings signify an underground fairy village and that the mushrooms are used by fairies as parasols and umbrellas. In Scotland, it was believed that fairies sat on the mushrooms and used them as tables for their feasts. In 19th-century Wales and Scotland, stories about fairy rings were still common, with some Welshmen claiming to have joined a fairy dance.
Fairy rings are generally considered dangerous places for humans to enter, with various superstitions warning against it. Some believe that stepping into a fairy ring may cause one to become invisible, be trapped forever, or be cursed or eaten by a giant toad. Others believe that humans who enter a fairy ring will be forced to dance by the fairies until they go insane, die, or pass out from exhaustion.
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Mycelium and mushroom reproduction
Fairy circles, or rings, are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are found mainly in forested areas, but also in grasslands or rangelands. 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. 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.
Mycelium is the reproductive part of a fungus, consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like filaments called hyphae. Mycelium is vital to the reproduction of fungi. The mycelia of two compatible fungi can fuse together, allowing the cells of each fungus to combine and their DNA to mix. After fusing, the cells end up in new spores held inside (like in truffles) or exposed outside (like in mushrooms and crusts) the fungus' reproductive structures. This is essentially how some fungi reproduce sexually when the environmental conditions are just right.
Fungi can also reproduce asexually by splitting their mycelium into smaller fragments, which then form independent mycelial networks. Mycelial networks can be both large and small. Most are microscopic, but some fungal species can also grow to colossal sizes. In the United States, an Armillaria ostoyae growing under the Malhuer National Forest in Oregon is estimated to cover almost 10 square kilometres, making it one of the largest single organisms in the world!
Mycelium plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by decomposing organic compounds and contributing to the organic fraction of soil. Its growth releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Mycelium is also an important food source for many soil invertebrates and is vital to agriculture and the health, nutrient intake, and growth of almost all plant species. Through their mycelium, fungi can partner with the roots of plants, including trees, creating a cross-kingdom web known as mycorrhizal networks. Trees and other plants produce sugars and fats, which the fungi can get from roots into their mycelium; in turn, the fungi help the trees and plants absorb water and nutrients from the soil, well beyond the reach of their roots and root hairs.
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Environmental conditions
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 can also appear in grasslands or rangelands. The rings can grow to over 10 metres (33 ft) in diameter and become stable over time as the fungus grows and seeks food underground.
- Soil conditions: Fungi deplete the soil of readily available nutrients such as nitrogen, causing plants within the circle to exhibit signs of stress, including discoloration. This depletion of nitrogen by the fungi can be advantageous for mushrooms, as they require more soil nitrogen than grass.
- Presence of other organisms: The cycle of some fairy rings depends on the continuous presence of rabbits. Rabbits crop grass short in open areas and produce nitrogen-rich droppings. Their grazing activity can contribute to the growth of mushrooms by allowing them to tower relatively above the grass. Additionally, rabbit droppings can replenish nitrogen levels near the centre of the circle, leading to the formation of secondary rings.
- Grass type: The effect of fungi on the grass depends on the type of fungus and grass involved. For instance, the growth of Calvatia cyathiformis leads to more abundant grass, while Leucopaxillus giganteus causes the grass to wither.
- Underground conditions: Fairy rings are detectable by sporocarps (fungal spore pods) and a necrotic zone (dead grass) or a ring of dark green grass. Underneath the surface, a ring or arc of fungus mycelium is present. The mycelium of the fungus absorbs nutrients by secreting enzymes from the tips of the hyphae (thread-like branching filaments). This process can lead to the withering or varying colour of the grass above.
- Fungal growth patterns: Fairy circles are formed by the subterranean network of fine, tubular threads called hyphae that grow out from the spore evenly in all directions, creating a circular pattern. The mushrooms that develop from this underground mat follow a similar pattern, appearing above ground in a ring shape.
- Tree stumps: In some cases, fairy circles may be associated with the outline of a tree that previously occupied the site. The mushrooms sprout from the rotting stump hidden beneath the grass.
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Frequently asked questions
Fairy circles, also known as fairy 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 circles are caused by the way certain types of fungi grow. The mushrooms are the reproductive parts of the fungi, which grow in a web-like structure underground. As the fungi break down dead organic matter in the soil, the nutrients released may cause a darker area of grass.
Fairy circles can appear as dark green circles surrounding patches of dead grass. They may grow to over 10 metres (33 ft) in diameter.
While fairy circles are the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, they are not inherently dangerous. However, some of the mushrooms in fairy circles can be poisonous, so it is best not to touch them.
Fairy circles have been found in various locations around the world, including France, England, Sweden, Germany, and Austria. They typically occur in forested areas or grasslands.
