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