Long ago,fungi were thought to be close relatives of plants,because they mostly grew from the ground and did not move about as animals do. But we now know that fungi cannot use water and direct sunlight for growth,as plants can. Instead,they make chemicals that break down dead or living organic materials (bits of animals or plants) to use as food. Fungi are very important to the general circle of life,as minerals released from this breakdown are returned to the soil to enrich it,and so provide food for growing plants.
There are more than 20,000 fungi species in New Zealand,and probably around 300,000 worldwide. They range greatly in size :the tiniest is too small to see without a microscope,while the largest are almost too heavy to lift. Fungi come in many different shapes and may have dull or bright colours. Hundreds of species have the traditional mushroom shape of stalk and cap,but others look like potatoes,bowls,cones,sea stars,fans,sea anemones,tiny button or leaves. Some are soft and fragile,some are jelly-like,and some are as tough as old leather or wood.
A number of species are used in the making of foods such as cheese and wine,and in medicines. There are many edible species,too-and many,more that are harmful and even deadly poisonous to animals and humans. Never tasted and unidentified fungus. Even if you have touched it,make sure that you do not put your fingers to your mouth,and make sure you wash your hands as soon as you can. Fungi reproduce by releasing fine spores into the air,sometimes with an explosive ‘puff ‘. The common term’ mushroom’ is generally used for fungi that have an obvious stalk topped by a cap of some sort, and the name toadstool ‘ is often applied to those with a grainy,warty covering on the cap - probably because this makes them look like a warty toad.
By: AJ.
