Most, if not all of us, have heard about fungi but not all know what they are. This article provides few basic and interesting facts about fungi. Fungi were among the first organisms to colonize land 1 billion years ago, long before plants. Fungi represent microscopic and some macroscopic plant-like organisms. These include mushrooms, mould (sometimes referred to as mildews) and yeast. Fungi can form beneficial relationships with other organisms especially with plants. They can also be parasites … [Read more...]
Can You Tell Edible Mushrooms From Poisonous Mushrooms?
Mushrooms have been known to humans for centuries and are among the few fungi that have common and scientific names. For example the death cup (Amanita phalloides), shaggy mane (Coprinus comatus), jack-o'lantern (Omphalotus olearius) and the honey mushroom (Armillariella mellea). They were considered to be the plant of immortality by the ancient Egyptians of 5000 years ago. France is considered the first to formally cultivate mushrooms. Cultivation later moved from France to England. Where to … [Read more...]