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They grow in the dark, don’t need sunlight to survive, and pop up after rain as if by magic. Some are edible, some are deadly, and some are still being discovered. Mushrooms are among the most fascinating—and misunderstood—organisms on Earth. Are they plants? Are they vegetables? Neither. Mushrooms belong to a group all their own: fungi.
Unlike plants, mushrooms don’t have chlorophyll, so they can’t make food through photosynthesis. Instead, they get nutrients by breaking down organic matter. That’s why you often find mushrooms growing on fallen trees, forest floors, or even on old bread. They’re nature’s clean-up crew, recycling dead material and turning it back into soil.
The part of the mushroom that we see above ground is just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the soil is a complex web called mycelium, made up of tiny threads that spread out like roots. These threads connect trees and plants to each other in what some scientists call the “Wood Wide Web.” Through this underground network, plants can share nutrients, send warning signals about pests, and even help each other grow. And it’s all powered by fungi!
Not all mushrooms are for eating, though. Some, like the white button mushrooms you find on pizzas, are perfectly safe. Others, like the death cap or the destroying angel, are extremely poisonous and can be fatal even in small amounts. That’s why mushroom hunting in the wild is best left to experts. Even trained foragers use extreme caution because many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes.
For centuries, mushrooms have played a role in human culture and medicine. Ancient Egyptians believed eating mushrooms gave you strength. Romans thought they were the “food of the gods.” In traditional Chinese medicine, mushrooms like reishi and shiitake were believed to boost immunity and energy. Today, scientists are discovering that mushrooms really do have powerful health benefits. Some species are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory compounds. They’re also rich in protein, making them a popular meat substitute in vegetarian meals.
But mushrooms aren’t just about food and medicine. They’ve also been explored in science fiction and pop culture. From the giant mushrooms in Alice in Wonderland to the power-up mushrooms in Super Mario games, these quirky fungi have captured imaginations for generations. Even in real science, mushrooms are now being studied for futuristic uses—like making biodegradable packaging, cleaning up oil spills, and even building eco-friendly bricks for homes!
There’s also a new interest in a specific kind of mushroom: the psychedelic variety. These mushrooms contain compounds that affect the brain, and while they’re illegal in many places, researchers are studying their potential to treat depression and anxiety. It’s a controversial area of science, but it shows just how complex mushrooms really are.
Another thing that surprises people? Mushrooms can glow in the dark. Yes, really. Some species, like the ghost fungus and honey mushroom, are bioluminescent—meaning they produce light naturally, just like fireflies. Imagine walking through a dark forest and seeing tiny green mushrooms lighting up the ground. Magical, isn’t it?
Mushrooms are also environmentally friendly. They can grow on almost anything—from coffee grounds to sawdust—and don’t require large amounts of water or space. This makes mushroom farming a great option in places with limited resources. In fact, some scientists believe mushrooms could be grown on space missions to provide food and even help recycle waste!
One of the largest living organisms on Earth is actually a fungus. It’s a massive underground network of honey fungus in Oregon, USA, stretching across over 3.5 miles. It’s estimated to be thousands of years old—and it’s still growing. So while mushrooms may seem small and quiet, they’re connected to some of the most powerful natural systems on the planet.
Some mushrooms release water vapour to create tiny air currents, helping their spores travel even without wind.
Fungi use a network called the mycorrhizal web — sometimes nicknamed the "Wood Wide Web" — to send signals and nutrients between plants.
A type of fungus called Cryptococcus has survived extreme radiation and vacuum conditions on the International Space Station.
Scientists have experimented with slime moulds (a fungus-like organism) to solve mazes and even mimic memory — showing primitive intelligence.
Rare white truffles, a type of underground mushroom, have fetched prices higher than gold due to their scarcity and unique aroma.
Ancient Egyptians called mushrooms “the food of the gods,” and some traditional Chinese texts describe them as life-extending remedies.
Some strange-looking mushrooms in deep-sea vents are actually formed by bacteria but mimic the appearance of true fungi.