Fungi are literally everywhere, from the mushrooms in our meals to the mold in our homes. Yet, despite their prevalence, many people know little about these extraordinary organisms. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge and appreciation for the hidden wonders of fungi, you’ve come to the right place. Join us as we uncover some of the more lesser-known fungi fun facts.
1. Earth’s biggest organism
While blue whales and ancient sequoias are often considered the giants of the natural world, the actual titleholder of the largest living organism is actually a humongous fungus called Armillaria ostoyae. This honey fungus from Malheur National Forest in Oregon has been growing for around 2,400 years, yet most of it is hidden underground. The mushrooms that sprout from the fungus are only a small fraction of the entire organism. Its mycelium, the vegetative root structure of the fungus, covers an astonishing 2,386 acres and is estimated to weigh 35,000 tons. This colossal fungus is a major player in its ecosystem, helping decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the nearly 4 square miles of land that it grows in.
2. Masters of survival
Fungi are some of the most resilient creatures on the planet and not only survive, but thrive in harsh environments that would otherwise be inhospitable to most other forms of life. They can be found in some of the most unexpected places, like frozen glaciers, scorching deserts, deep sea hydrothermal vents, and even in outer space. Some fungi can even endure radioactive environments, using radiation as an energy source and growing in areas like the Chernobyl disaster site.
3. Nature’s internet
Beneath the forest floor are several species of fungi that interact with their environment in a more connected way. Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with other fungi and plants, using their mycelium network to connect them all together. This system, known as the ‘Wood Wide Web,’ is a crucial lifeline for trees and other plants, allowing them to collectively respond to environmental stressors and share resources with each other. For example, if a tree is deficient in nutrients and water, it can receive help from nearby trees through the mycorrhizal network. This exchange is especially beneficial for young or sick trees that rely on the established network to access the resources they need to grow and recover.
4. Miles of mycelium
Despite how tiny fungi can be, their extensive and intricate networks are larger than many could ever imagine. Researchers have found that just one teaspoon of soil can contain several miles of fungal filaments. These microscopic mycelium threads can stretch for vast distances, keeping ecosystems connected, healthy, and running smoothly.
5. Mushrooms made Santa Claus
The iconic image of Santa Claus, with his vibrant red suit and white trim, may have been inspired by the Amanita muscaria mushroom. In Siberian and Laplan cultures, the mushroom was believed to have magical properties, inspiring shamans to don red and white outfits to mimic its appearance during sacred winter solstice ceremonies. These rituals would often involve consuming the mushrooms, which have psychoactive effects and were thought to provide spiritual insights. Furthermore, reindeer also consume these mushrooms, getting high off of them and leaping around in the air, giving rise to stories about Santa’s flying reindeer.
6. Mushroom microclimate
Mushrooms have developed a wide range of survival strategies to keep their populations thriving. Some species have even developed the ability to create their own microclimate winds to spread their spores more efficiently. When water evaporates from the mushroom’s surface, it cools the surrounding air. When the cool air sinks, the warmer air above it flows downward, generating a small-scale air current. These currents help lift the tiny spores off the mushroom and into the air so that they can travel greater distances and increase the possibility of colonizing new areas.
7. Fungi fashion
The future of fashion lies in fungi. Say goodbye to synthetic fabrics and animal-based leather because mycelium is setting the stage for more sustainable clothing. Mycelium leather is gaining popularity as it mimics the texture and durability of traditional leather while being far more environmentally friendly. It’s biodegradable, requires fewer resources to produce, and doesn’t involve animal cruelty. Brands like Adidas, Hermès, and Balenciaga have introduced products made from mycelium, demonstrating the shift of leading brands in incorporating sustainable materials into their designs.
8. Fungi helped form our land
Fungi have played a major role in shaping the earth’s terrestrial ecosystems. Over 450 million years ago, fungi formed symbiotic relationships with early land plants and began colonizing our planet’s once-barren landscapes. The enzymes and acids that fungi produce have helped break down rocks and accelerate the weathering process. As a result, rocky terrain gradually turned into fertile soil, which pushed the conditions necessary for life on land. Yet fungi not only shaped Earth’s geology but also set the stage for the development and evolution of the complex ecosystems that make up our planet’s diverse flora and fauna. Fungi’s ability to decompose organic matter back into the soil ensured that plants had an environment to take root and flourish, creating landscapes that would eventually sustain multiple life forms today.
9. Carbon-conquering fungi
Deep in the soil, fungi are working tirelessly to fight against climate change. The symbiotic relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and plants has a profound impact on carbon sequestration. These fungi lock carbon deep into the soil so that it remains stored away from our atmosphere. In fact, fungi receive around 13 billion tons of carbon dioxide from plants on a yearly basis – over a third of the emissions produced annually!
10. Fireproof fungi
Despite the intense destruction caused by wildfires, certain fungi have evolved the capability to survive and even thrive in post-fire environments. Pyrophilous fungi have spores that are heat resistant, allowing them to endure extremely hot temperatures. Once the blaze has passed, these fungi flourish in the nutrient-dense ash, and begin the process of ecological recovery. As these fungi break down the charred organis material left behind, they help create a fertile foundation for new plant growthand accelerate the return of a balanced ecosystem.
11. Plastic eating fungi
Although fungi are primarily known for breaking down organic matter like leaves and dead animals, many species also have a hankering for munching on synthetic compounds like plastics. These fungi excrete an enzyme that’s capable of breaking down the long polymer chains in plastics into simpler molecules that can be absorbed and used for their food. Plastic-eating fungi are currently being studied and used in more applications to reduce plastic waste in hopes that slow-degrading plastics could someday be a thing of the past.
12. Fungus among us
The human body is comprised of approximately 30 trillion human cells and 39 trillion microbial cells. This means that, by cell count, we are only about 43% human, with the rest being microbial. These microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, create ecosystems in and on the body that support many vital functions. A balanced microbiome is so important for maintaining good health and protecting us from infections and diseases. An imbalance in these microbes, known as dysbiosis, can lead to conditions like depression, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune diseases.
The fantastic world of fungi knowledge
These fun facts only scratch the surface of the world of fungi. Fungi are among the most diverse and ecologically significant organisms on the planet. They not only contribute to the health of our ecosystems but also have the potential to revolutionize industries ranging from medicine to agriculture. The more you learn about fungi, the more you’ll recognize their indispensable role in maintaining the harmony of nature. So the next time you come across a fungus (which is every day), take a moment to appreciate its presence and consider the myriad ways it supports life around you. Whether it’s the yeast on your bread or a mushroom in the forest, fungi are silently working 24/7 to keep our world in check.
