Do fungi sleep? Not quite the way humans or animals do. But across the living world, many organisms without brains or nervous systems follow cycles of activity and rest. Fungi are no exception. Fungi operate on an internal schedule known as a circadian rhythm: a roughly 24-hour biological cycle that helps organisms anticipate and prepareContinueContinue reading “Investigating Circadian Rhythms in Fungi”
Tag Archives: Mycology
The Spooky World of Halloween Fungi
As October brings Halloween, it also highlights the unique transformations in nature, particularly fungi. Notable examples include Hydnellum peckii, Xylaria polymorpha, and others. Despite their unsettling features, these fungi offer culinary and medicinal benefits, emphasizing the fascinating intersection of nature and Halloween themes.
Fungal Wars: The Hidden Battles of Nature
Fungi live in the shadows of our attention, yet their world is anything but quiet. These organisms form vast underground networks, interact with other organisms, and scramble for resources. Competition for Resources In nature, fungi constantly compete for limited resources such as nutrients, space, and access to host organisms. To survive, they use diverse strategies:ContinueContinue reading “Fungal Wars: The Hidden Battles of Nature”
Illuminating The World With Fungi
When we think of glowing organisms, our minds often wander to fireflies or deep-sea creatures. But did you know that some fungi also emit their own natural light? Bioluminescent fungi create a glow that has intrigued scientists, mycologists, and nature enthusiasts for centuries. In my previous blog entries, I briefly touched on the bioluminescence inContinueContinue reading “Illuminating The World With Fungi”
Admiring from Afar: A Closer Look at the Jack O’ Lantern
As I continue my journey in the world of fungi identification, one mushroom that I’ve encountered (and learned from) is the Jack O’ Lantern (which I confused with CoW before). This vibrant mushroom is a sight to behold in the wild (or suburban), but it comes with a warning, it’s toxic. Here’s what I’ve learnedContinueContinue reading “Admiring from Afar: A Closer Look at the Jack O’ Lantern”
Chicken of the Woods: A Colorful Hiker’s Delight
Chicken of the Woods, or Laetiporus, is a brightly colored mushroom found on hardwood trees, known for its chicken-like taste and texture. It plays a crucial ecological role by decomposing dead trees and recycling nutrients, while also promoting biodiversity. Its stunning appearance makes it a favorite for foragers and nature enthusiasts alike.
fungitopia.org 