Magnificent Mushrooms
Learn a little more below!
A mushroom or toadstool is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of
a fungus, typically produced above ground, on soil, or on its food
source. Toadstool generally denotes one poisonous to humans.
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There are three main types of mushrooms:
- Saprotrophic mushrooms. These mushrooms feast on dead and decaying matter while they aide in the decomposition process. Saprotrophic mushrooms release special enzymes that encourage the deterioration of organic matter. Shiitake, morels, oyster, and button mushrooms all belong to the saprotrophic category of mushrooms.
- Parasitic mushrooms. Some fungi are designed to feed off other plant life. Detrimental to the host plant, parasitic mushrooms provide no benefit to its host. Examples of parasitic mushrooms include chaga and lion’s mane.
- Mycorrhizal mushrooms. This type of mushroom gives and receives benefits from other plants. The mycelium is often supported by and dependent upon the roots of other plants for structure. Mycorrhizal mushrooms also help hydrate a plant that provides sugars to return the favor. In this symbiotic relationship, both the mushroom and plant can grow stronger and larger. Mushrooms in this group include porcini mushrooms and truffles.