Emma Wilson
Known as fairy rings, the occurrence of mushrooms growing in a ring formation has sparked fascination and curiosity worldwide. This phenomenon, also associated with folklore and mythical stories, has led people to wonder why mushrooms grow in circles. While not all mushrooms grow in this manner, understanding the underlying anatomy of mushrooms provides insight into this unique pattern. The circular growth of mushrooms, or fairy rings, is the result of an individual fungus growing underground and sprouting thread-like structures called mycelium in a radial pattern. As the fungus spreads outward in search of food, the ring expands, and mushrooms eventually emerge at the outer edge of the mycelium, creating the distinctive ring shape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Fairy rings, Elf rings, Pixie rings, Witches' rings |
| Cause | An individual fungus growing underground |
| Fungus type | Maramius oreades |
| Fungus anatomy | Mycelium (small threads) |
| Nutrient absorption | Absorbs nutrients by secretion of enzymes from the tips of the hyphae (thread-like branching filaments making up the mycelium) |
| Grass colour | Dark green due to the release of phosphorus and nitrogen from decomposed grass |
| Grass health | Grass may be lush or dead depending on the type of mushroom |
| Mushroom species | Scotch bonnet, Wood blewit, Toadstool, Death cap, Matsutake, Purple-spored puffball, Green-spored parasol, Clouded agaric, Calocybe gambosa, Infundibulicybe geotropa |
| Ring size | Small to 600 metres in diameter |
| Ring age | Some rings are hundreds of years old |
| Ring growth | The ring widens as the fungus spreads out in search of food |
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What You'll Learn
The role of mycelium in mushroom ring formation
Fairy rings, also known as elf or pixie rings, are naturally occurring rings of mushrooms that grow in circular patterns. They are caused by an individual fungus growing underground and sprouting thread-like filaments called mycelium. This growth pattern is not unique to mushrooms, as other fungi can also exhibit similar behaviour.
The mycelium plays a crucial role in the formation of mushroom rings. It is the vegetative part of the fungus, consisting of a network of thread-like structures called hyphae. These hyphae grow and spread out from the centre of the ring, secreting enzymes that break down organic matter in the soil, absorbing nutrients for the fungus. As the mycelium spreads, it forms a circular pattern, and the mushrooms that we see are the fruiting bodies that sprout near the edge of the ring.
The circular pattern of the fairy ring is a result of the outward growth of the mycelium from its centre. As the mycelium grows, it depletes the soil of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, causing plants within the circle to wither and discolour. This results in the formation of a living ring of lush green grass or dead grass, depending on the type of mushroom and its impact on the surrounding environment.
The mycelium continues to spread outward in search of food, and as it finds new sources of nutrients, it can form secondary rings within the primary ring. Over time, the fairy ring can expand to significant sizes, with some rings reaching diameters of several hundred metres. The size and age of fairy rings can be determined by scientists, providing insights into the growth and behaviour of these fascinating fungal communities.
Not all mushroom species grow in fairy rings, but it is estimated that around 60 species can develop this circular pattern. The most well-known species is the edible Scotch bonnet (Marasmius oreades), commonly found on lawns and in grassy areas. Other species that form fairy rings include the wood blewit, toadstool, death cap, matsutake, purple-spored puffball, and green-spored parasol.
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The symbiotic relationship between mushrooms, trees and grass
The formation of mushroom rings, also known as fairy rings, is a fascinating phenomenon that involves a symbiotic relationship between mushrooms, trees, and grass. This intricate relationship plays a crucial role in the growth and survival of these organisms.
Mushrooms, or more specifically, the fungi that produce them, play a pivotal role in this symbiotic relationship. Fungi are known for their extensive thread-like structures called mycelium, which spread out underground in search of food. As the mycelium grows, it forms a circular pattern, with the mushrooms sprouting at the outer edge of the circle. This circular growth pattern is what gives rise to the characteristic fairy ring.
The symbiotic relationship between mushrooms and grass is a delicate balance. On the one hand, the mycelium can break down organic matter in the soil, releasing nitrogen, a crucial nutrient for grass growth. This results in lush, green grass surrounding the fairy ring. On the other hand, if the fungi deplete the soil of nutrients, it can lead to plant stress and discoloration, causing the grass to turn brown and die. This area of dead grass is known as the necrotic zone, indicating a lack of nutrients in the soil.
Trees also play a significant role in this symbiotic relationship. Fairy rings are often found in wooded areas, where they are formed by mycorrhizal fungi that live in symbiosis with trees. The roots of the trees provide the mushrooms with sugar, while the fungi enhance the tree roots' ability to absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil. This mutualistic relationship benefits both the trees and the mushrooms, promoting their growth and survival.
The Scotch bonnet (Marasmius oreades) is one of the most well-known examples of mushrooms that form fairy rings. This edible mushroom species is commonly found growing in circular patterns on lawns and in wooded areas. Other mushroom species that exhibit this circular growth pattern include the wood blewit, matsutake mushroom, and the purple-spored puffball, each contributing to the diverse ecology of fairy rings.
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How mushroom rings can be identified
Mushroom rings, also known as fairy rings, are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are found mainly in forested areas, but they also appear in grasslands or rangelands.
Fairy rings can be identified by looking for fungal spore pods, known as sporocarps, in rings or arcs. They can also be identified by a necrotic zone, where the grass or other plant life has withered or died, or by 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 mushrooms are just one part of the fungi. The other part, called the mycelium, is underneath the soil and helps the fungi explore different spaces and absorb nutrients. The mycelium looks like cobwebs or stretched-out cotton candy and spreads out in a circular shape. As the fungi grow and spread out in search of food, the ring gets wider.
Fairy rings are the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. They are often seen as magical or hazardous places linked with witches or the Devil, or as a sign of good fortune.
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The folklore surrounding mushroom rings
Mushroom rings, also known as fairy rings or elf circles, have long been a source of fascination and mystery in folklore and popular culture. The circular growth pattern of certain mushroom species, often appearing overnight, has sparked imaginations and inspired numerous tales and beliefs.
In European folklore, mushroom rings are often associated with fairies and magical creatures. It is said that these rings mark the gateway to the fairy realm, and stepping inside one could transport you to a magical world. Fairies were thought to dance within these circles, and it was considered bad luck to disturb them. People believed that any damage to the rings could anger the fairies and bring misfortune.
In Scandinavian folklore, the rings are linked to elves and are known as "elf circles." It was believed that elves created these circles as a part of their festivities and celebrations. Disturbing these circles was considered disrespectful to the elves and could bring about their wrath.
In some German folk beliefs, mushroom rings were thought to be caused by the breath of a fiery dragon sleeping underground. The circle marked the boundary of the dragon's reach, and stepping inside was considered dangerous.
Beyond Europe, in the folklore of certain Native American tribes, mushroom rings were also significant. Some tribes believed that these rings were created by supernatural beings or spirits and served as portals to other realms. Entering these circles was thought to bring spiritual enlightenment or, in some cases, danger, depending on the tribe's specific beliefs.
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The different types of mushroom rings
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 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. While the exact process of their creation is not fully understood, there are two main theories. The first theory states that a fairy ring is begun by a spore from the sporocarpus. The second theory, based on investigations of Japanese scientists on the Tricholoma matsutake species, suggests that fairy rings are formed by connecting neighbouring oval genets of mushrooms.
There are two generally recognised types of fairy ring fungus: tethered and free. Tethered rings are found in forested areas and are formed by mycorrhizal fungi living in symbiosis with trees. Meadow fairy rings are called free because they are disconnected from other organisms.
Depending on soil type, the specific fungus involved, and environmental conditions, three different types of fairy rings can form. Type 1 fairy rings are most commonly found on golf course putting greens, and less commonly on home lawns. Type 2 fairy rings efficiently decay organic matter, releasing nitrogen that promotes lush growth and leads to a dense green ring of grass. Type 3 fairy rings have rings of mushrooms that appear during wet periods, particularly in the fall. These rings often appear on home lawns and are primarily cosmetic problems, as they do not cause turf death and may disappear naturally following a change in environmental conditions.
Fairy rings are the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. They are seen as hazardous or dangerous places linked with witches or the Devil, or as a sign of good fortune. In German folklore, fairy rings are known as Hexenringe ("witches' rings"). In French, they are called ronds de sorcières ("witches' circles"). Some cultures believe that fairy rings are portals to another world, while others say that the mushrooms are used as dinner tables for fairies.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom rings, also known as fairy rings, form due to the growth pattern of the mycelium of a fungus. The mycelium, a network of thread-like structures, spreads out in search of food, resulting in a circular pattern.
The circular pattern arises as the mycelium grows outward from its centre. When the nutrients in the centre are depleted, it forms a living ring, from which the mushrooms sprout.
Fungi can deplete the soil of nutrients such as nitrogen, causing plants within the circle to discolour or die. This results in the necrotic zone, or dead grass, in the centre of some mushroom rings.
No, not all mushrooms grow in rings. However, theoretically, all mushrooms can adopt this growth pattern. Only around 60 species are known to develop into fairy rings.
The most well-known mushroom species that form fairy rings is the edible Scotch bonnet (Marasmius oreades), also known as the fairy ring champignon. Other examples include the wood blewit, toadstool, death cap, matsutake mushroom, purple-spored puffball, and green-spored parasol.
