DID YOU KNOW? Animals, beautiful, Community, europe, find, Health, history, science, Science and Tech, Work, World October 18, 2024

“Unveiling the Hidden World: 14 Mind-Blowing Mushroom Facts You Never Knew Existed!”

Did you ever stop to think that the humble mushroom—often dismissed as just a pizza topping—shares more DNA with you than with your favorite salad? Seriously! These fascinating fungi are like the quirky cousins at the family reunion of life forms, more closely related to animals than to plants. They don’t just serve up a delicious addition to our meals; they also play a vital role in our ecosystems, healthcare, and even in technology! With over 10,000 mushroom species known in North America and many more yet to be discovered, it’s time to dive into the whimsical world of mushrooms and uncover 14 crazy facts that might just flip your perception upside down! So, are you ready? LEARN MORE.

Did you know that mushrooms are more closely related to animals than they are to other plants? Well, that’s one of the many cool facts about mushrooms. Besides making your food tasty (as long as they’re the right type), these mysterious organisms are also important for the environment, medicine, and science.

With over 10,000 known species in North America alone, mushrooms’ diversity is amazing. Yet scientists suspect we’ve only scratched the surface. Let’s find out 14 cool facts that will make you appreciate mushrooms in a new light.

1. Mushrooms are the Largest Life Forms on Earth

Armillaria ostoyae (50632300346) — Photo Credit: xulescu_g – CC BY-SA 2.0/Wiki Commons.

When you think of mushrooms, you imagine them as small and delicate creatures. However, mushrooms are fascinating in how they can spread but still be considered part of a single fungi body. Such is the case of the honey mushroom (Armillaria ostoyae), which is found in the Malheur National Forest in Oregon, USA.

Its fungal colony is considered the largest in the world, occupying an astonishing 2,200 acres and measuring 3.5 km wide. But don’t be fooled! It spends most of its time underground, only popping up when it’s time to reproduce.

2. They Have a Symbiotic Relationship With Host Trees and Plants

Boletus mushroom in the forest with sun light — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

There is a fungal friendship between mushrooms and other elements of mother nature. Some fungi “talk” to each other through host trees and plants. One such fungi is called Mycorrhizal fungi.

In this symbiotic relationship, the fungi extend thread-like structures into the plant’s roots, where nutrient exchange occurs. This mycorrhizal network is essential for the co-system, as without it, plants would struggle to survive in nutrient-poor soils.

3. Mushrooms Can Glow in the Dark

Jack o' Lantern mushrooms are orange, toxic, bioluminescent mushrooms. — Photo Credit: MigueldelFuego1029 – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

Mushrooms are known as nature’s nightlights because some of them can glow in the dark. This phenomenon is called bioluminescence and is caused by a chemical reaction that produces light.

According to the latest research, eight different species of mushrooms turn into glow sticks once the sun has gone down. One of the most popular species is the jack-o’-lantern mushroom (Omphalotus olearius). Such mushrooms emit compounds called luciferins that glow and attract insects.

4. They Share More DNA With Humans than Plants

Father and son looking at mushroom in autumn forest — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Previously, scientists believed that mushrooms belonged to the plant family. Surprisingly, they are more closely related to animals, including humans.

Humans and mushrooms have a shared evolutionary history and belong to a group of organisms called Opisthokonta. This means that at some point in time, we shared a common ancestor that we independently evolved from.

5. Mushrooms Can be Used to Make Packaging Materials

Mycelium on wheat of Psilocybe cubensis. Mycelium fungus. Fusarium euwallaceae. Psilocybe cubensis Macro mycelium on wheat. Psilocybe cubensis Macro mycelium on wheat. Mushroom cultivation — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Mushrooms are gaining attention for their role in sustainable technology, especially with mushroom-based packaging. This method uses mycelium, the root of mushrooms, to create biodegradable packaging.

By growing mycelium in molds, companies can make strong materials that break down naturally, reducing waste and pollution. When combined with agricultural waste or recycled paper, mycelium creates styrofoam-like packaging and only takes 45 days to compost.

6. They Can be Used as Natural Pesticide

Infection beauveria bassiana insects, zombie on plants in the wild. — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

The farming industry has been using mushrooms as natural pesticides to control pests in agriculture and horticulture. These fungi produce insect-repelling compounds that are harmless to humans.

Beauveria bassiana is a commonly used insecticide that kills harmful insects like aphids, caterpillars, and beetles. When its spores come into contact with an insect, they infect the insect’s body, eventually killing them.

7. Mushrooms Produce Vitamin D

A woman in a forest picking up mushrooms. The search for mushrooms in the woods. Porcini grew in the autumn forest — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Mushrooms are the only food that produces vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune function, and other vital processes.

When they come in contact with the sun, they can synthesize vitamin D in their cells due to a compound called ergosterol. It can be converted into vitamin D when exposed to UVB radiation.

8. Some Mushrooms are Safe to Eat

Closeup seen from above of mushrooms being strung together — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Some mushrooms are edible and safe to consume. However, others can be poisonous and can lead to death if ingested. When it comes to wild mushroom picking, you must do proper research before eating them.

According to research, there are almost 2189 classes of mushrooms that are safe to eat, and 183 need pre-treatment to make them edible. Ultimately, if you’re not sure, don’t eat it.

9. Mushrooms Can Digest Plastic

medical laboratory doctor research medicine disease — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Mushrooms are being investigated as a fungal solution to plastic pollution. This comes after a groundbreaking discovery in 2017, which revealed that a fungus called Aspergillus tubingensis could digest polyurethane plastic.

Such mushrooms have certain enzymes that can break down plastic polymers into less harmful substances. Scientists are looking to create similar enzymes to continue the work of these fungi.

10. Mushrooms Can be Poisonous

Amanita poisonous mushroom — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

One of the deadliest mushrooms in the U.S. is the Death Cap, known as Amanita phalloides (not the mushroom pictures above). These mushrooms originally came from mainland Europe, where the vast majority of mushroom-related deaths.

When consumed, the toxic substances spread throughout the body, causing liver and kidney failure, and death occurs within 72 hours. It is highly recommended that you consult a mycologist before consuming any wild mushrooms.

11. Mushrooms are as Old as 5300 Years

Birch polypore birch bracket razor strop (Piptoporus betulinus), Hesse, Germany. — Photo Credit: Norbert Nagel – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

In 1991, a remarkable discovery was made in the Italian Alps. The mummified remains of a man named “Otzi” were found to have been frozen in a glacier for over 5,300 years. Surprisingly, two types of mushrooms were present in his possessions.

He carried birch polypore (Piptoporus betulinus) and tinder polypore (Fomes fomentarius), both of which were quite useful for humans. Scientists also believed that the former was being used for medicinal purposes to remove intestinal parasites at that time.

12. They Don’t Need a Sterile Environment to Grow

The search for mushrooms in the woods. man is cutting mushroom with a knife. — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Mushrooms don’t need a clean environment to thrive. They can grow in any wild conditions, from decaying wood to animal waste.

They can colonize nutrient-rich materials, which helps to decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients in ecosystems. The mushroom spores are tiny yet durable parts of mushrooms that can survive in harsh conditions, showcasing the resilience of the species.

13. Toadstools and Mushrooms are the Same

A bright red toadstool is picked — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

The terms “mushroom” and “toadstool” are used interchangeably, but there’s no scientific difference between them. Both are important for their ecosystems, helping break down organic matter and supporting plants.

The cultural history of both these terms is interesting. Previously, it was accepted that if someone refers to fungi as a mushroom, it is safe to eat. If the fungi is referred to as toadstool, it is unsafe to eat. These blanket statements have been proven unreliable in determining whether or not something is safe to ingest.

14. Mushrooms Used to be Extremely Tall

Apex of the Schunnemunk tree of Prototaxites loganii from the middle Devonian Bellvale Sandstone near Monroe, New York — Photo Credit: G.J. Retallack – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

More than a million years ago, giant mushrooms, looming 24 feet tall, grew all over the planet. John William Dawson discovered the first fossils of these colossal fungi in 1859. However, it wasn’t until 2007 that scientists finally figured out what these towering spires were.

These facts cement fungi’s reputation as old and mysterious in historical and scientific communities.

15 Items Leaching Microplastics Into Your Body

Scientist examining microplastic particles in a water sample — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Do you know that many seemingly harmless everyday items could secretly be leaching microplastics into your system? These products can cause tiny plastic particles to enter your body through your skin, diet, drinking water, or even the air you breathe in.

15 Items Leaching Microplastics Into Your Body

16 Foods That Can Supercharge Heart Health

Woman eating yogurt with fruit on top — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Superfoods are foods that boast an exceptionally high nutritional density and are packed with many of the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants our bodies need to thrive. They have continually gained popularity for their ability to improve overall health and prevent diseases.

16 Foods That Can Supercharge Heart Health

13 Cancer-Linked Ingredients Hiding in Your Daily Diet

woman putting sugar in tea coffee cafe — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

This article reveals 13 common food ingredients that have raised red flags in the scientific and medical community. These foods should be avoided or only be consumed in moderation to reduce the risk of cancer in the long term.

13 Cancer-Linked Ingredients Hiding in Your Daily Diet

Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that’s not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she’s not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.