Laura Smith
Mushrooms are like sponges—they absorb water and release it when cooked. Some mushrooms even exude beads of moisture, a phenomenon called guttation. This liquid produced by mushrooms can look like tears, sweat, milk, tar, or even blood. For example, the Weeping Widow mushroom gets its name from the droplets of water that drip from the edges of its cap. The process of guttation is not well understood, but it is often observed during times of rapid fungal growth when temperature and humidity are high.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Phenomenon | Some fungi exude beads of moisture, called guttation |
| Appearance | Guttation drops can look like tears, sweat, milk, tar, or blood |
| Occurrence | More common during times of rapid growth and favorable temperature and humidity |
| Species | Fomitopsis pinicola, Hydnellum peckii, Weeping Widow |
| Weeping Widow Characteristics | Tan-ochre with yellow and red-brown hints; fibrous-wooly cap with a fringe that can be stained black by spores; gills start yellow-brown and darken with spores |
| Weeping Widow Weeping | Refers to droplets of water that drip from the edges of the cap, often stained black by spores |
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What You'll Learn
- Some mushrooms exude beads of moisture, called guttation
- Guttation is more well-known in vascular plants
- The Weeping Widow mushroom gets its name from droplets of water that drip from its cap
- Mushrooms are prone to absorbing liquid and can become waterlogged
- The guttation mechanism in fungi is not well understood
Some mushrooms exude beads of moisture, called guttation
Some mushrooms exude beads of moisture, a phenomenon known as guttation. This process is not unique to mushrooms but is also observed in certain plants. Guttation in mushrooms occurs when fluid is expelled from the fruit bodies through specialized structures called gill cells. The fluid is rich in sugar and other substances, and its purpose is not entirely understood by scientists. However, there are several theories that attempt to explain this mysterious phenomenon.
One theory suggests that guttation may be a mechanism for osmoregulation, helping mushrooms to maintain the proper balance of water and solutes within their cells. By excreting excess fluid, mushrooms can control their internal pressure and prevent the fruit bodies from becoming too turgid or swollen. This process may also help to eliminate waste products and maintain the mushroom's internal ion balance.
Another theory posits that guttation could play a role in mushroom reproduction. The expelled fluid, known as guttation droplets, may contain sugars and other substances that act as a reward for small insects and other vectors. These vectors could potentially spread the mushroom's spores as they visit the fruit bodies, aiding in their dispersal and contributing to the fungus's reproductive success.
Additionally, guttation may also serve a protective function for mushrooms. The droplets could act as a physical barrier against pathogens and pests, trapping or deterring them, and keeping the fruit bodies safe from potential harm. This protective mechanism might be particularly advantageous in damp environments where the risk of infection or pest infestation is higher.
It is important to note that not all mushrooms exhibit guttation. This phenomenon is more commonly observed in certain species, such as agarics and bolete mushrooms. The conditions under which guttation occurs can vary as well, with some mushrooms producing droplets in response to high humidity or moisture levels in their environment.
While the exact reasons for guttation in mushrooms remain partially unexplained, it is clear that this phenomenon is a fascinating aspect of their biology. Scientists continue to study guttation to unravel its mysteries and gain a deeper understanding of the complex world of fungi.
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Guttation is more well-known in vascular plants
Some mushrooms exhibit a curious phenomenon where they exude beads of moisture, known as guttation. This phenomenon is more commonly observed in vascular plants, where it occurs when the plant's transpiration system is shut down during the night. The pressure from excess moisture in the roots forces beads of sap out of specialized structures on the leaf edges.
In fungi, the guttation mechanism is not yet fully understood. However, it is frequently observed in many species during periods of rapid growth when temperature and humidity are favourable. For example, the fungus Hydnellum peckii often "bleeds" pigmented drops during its early growth stages, earning it gruesome nicknames. Similarly, the liquid produced by Fomitopsis pinicola can resemble tears, giving the appearance of a weeping or sweating fungus. Other fungal species may produce drops that resemble milk, tar, or even blood.
The guttation process in fungi may be linked to the excretion of excess moisture during periods of rapid growth. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms. While guttation is more well-known in vascular plants, it is intriguing to observe this phenomenon in fungi as well, particularly in species like Fomitopsis pinicola and Hydnellum peckii.
The weeping appearance of certain mushrooms, such as the Weeping Widow, is likely due to the droplets of water that form at the edges of the cap. These droplets are often blackened by the spores, contributing to the weeping connotation. This phenomenon is not limited to the Weeping Widow and can be observed in various other mushroom species as well.
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The Weeping Widow mushroom gets its name from droplets of water that drip from its cap
Guttation is also observed in several other types of fungi, such as Fomitopsis pinicola, where the liquid produced can resemble tears or sweat. Some species even produce pigmented drops that can look like milk, tar, or blood. While guttation is more well-known in vascular plants, the mechanism behind it in fungi is not yet fully understood. However, it is often observed during periods of rapid fungal growth when temperature and humidity are favourable, making the presence of these beads of liquid a reliable macroscopic characteristic for certain species.
For example, the Hydnellum peckii species frequently "bleeds" pigmented drops during its early stages of growth, earning it rather macabre nicknames. Similarly, the Weeping Widow's distinctive weeping trait is likely advantageous for identification purposes, as each mushroom can vary in appearance, with some taking on a bell shape while others flatten out but retain an umbo.
The Weeping Widow's cap is initially covered in a cobweb-like veil, with gills that start as yellow-brown and gradually turn dark brown-purple with a light edge that eventually turns black due to spore release. The stem is quite shaggy, with small scales and a white to off-white colour. A notable feature is the dark or black ring zone near the top, which is where the veil breaks away, giving it a unique appearance distinct from the typical "skirt" shape observed in other mushrooms.
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Mushrooms are prone to absorbing liquid and can become waterlogged
Mushrooms are like sponges—they absorb moisture and can become waterlogged. This is why they should not be washed before cooking. Instead, they can be cleaned with a damp paper towel or brushed off with a pastry brush. Mushrooms are also prone to absorbing fat, so they need to be cooked on a higher heat with enough oil or butter to prevent burning.
Mushrooms contain a lot of water, which is released when they are cooked. If cooked on low heat, they will simmer in their liquid. Medium-high or high heat will evaporate the liquid and give the mushrooms a nice brown colour. It is important not to overcrowd the mushrooms in the pan, as they need enough room for their liquid to evaporate. If they are packed in too tightly, they will steam.
Some mushrooms, such as the Weeping Widow, naturally exude droplets of water from the edges of their caps. This liquid is usually blackened by spores. Other species of mushrooms produce pigmented drops that can look like milk, tar, or even blood. This phenomenon is called guttation and is more commonly observed in vascular plants. During the night, when the plant's transpiration system is shut down, pressure from excess moisture in the roots forces beads of sap out of special structures on the leaf edges.
While the guttation mechanism in fungi is not well understood, it is often observed during periods of rapid growth when temperature and humidity are favourable. For example, Hydnellum peckii frequently "bleeds" pigmented drops during its early stages of growth, earning it gruesome nicknames.
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The guttation mechanism in fungi is not well understood
Some fungi exhibit a curious phenomenon called guttation, in which they exude beads of moisture that resemble tears or sweat. This process is better understood in vascular plants, where it occurs when pressure from excess moisture in the roots forces beads of sap out of structures on leaf edges during the night when the plant's transpiration system is inactive. In contrast, the guttation mechanism in fungi is not well understood.
While the exact mechanism is unclear, guttation in fungi is often observed during periods of rapid growth under favourable temperature and humidity conditions. For example, the fungus Hydnellum peckii frequently "bleeds" pigmented drops during its early growth stages, earning it gruesome nicknames. Similarly, Fomitopsis pinicola produces guttation drops, as noted by Andrus Voitk in Omphalina Vol. III, No. 3.
The liquid produced by fungi during guttation can vary in appearance, ranging from clear beads to drops that resemble milk, tar, or even blood. This variation in colour may be due to the presence of different pigments or substances within the liquid. However, despite the intriguing nature of fungal guttation and its potential significance in macroscopic identification, the underlying biological processes driving this phenomenon in fungi remain to be elucidated.
Further research is needed to fully comprehend the guttation mechanism in fungi and its ecological significance. By studying this phenomenon, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of the physiological processes unique to fungi and their interactions with their environment. Additionally, exploring guttation in fungi may lead to the discovery of novel compounds or behaviours that could have potential applications or shed light on evolutionary adaptations.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms contain a lot of water, which comes out when they are cooked. Some mushrooms also exude beads of moisture, called guttation. This liquid produced can look like tears, giving the impression that the mushroom is weeping.
The guttation mechanism in fungi is not well understood. However, it is often observed during periods of rapid growth when temperature and humidity are favourable.
The appearance of guttation droplets can vary depending on the species of mushroom. Some produce clear droplets that resemble tears, while others may have pigmented drops that look like milk, tar, or even blood.
Not all mushrooms exhibit guttation. Certain species, such as Fomitopsis pinicola and Hydnellum peckii, are known for their propensity to produce guttation droplets.
The presence of weeping or guttation in mushrooms is not an indication of poison. For example, the Weeping Widow mushroom gets its name from the droplets of water that form on its cap, but it is not poisonous. However, it is recommended to avoid washing wild mushrooms unless properly identified.
