Mycelium

Mycelium is the root system of mushrooms. 

  • Mycelia have thin, permeable cell walls that allow nutrients to be absorbed.

 

  • The mycelium serves the majority of functions in the mushroom’s life cycle, including the digestion of nutrients in its environment, protection against damaging organisms and produces the fruiting bodies.

 

  • Some mycelia contain beneficial nutrients not found in their fruiting bodies.

 

 

Fruiting Body

The mushroom fruiting body, or sporocarp, is the visible, above-ground part of a fungus that produces spores, which are like mushroom seeds, for reproduction.

 

What it is:

The fruiting body is the part of the mushroom that we typically see, such as the cap, stem and gills (or pores in some species).

    Purpose:

    It's primary function is to produce and release spores, which are fungal equivalent of seeds, allowing the fungus to spread and colonize new areas.

    Life Cycle:

    The fruiting body is a part of the fungal life cycle, appearing towards the end of the cycle when conditions are favorable for reproduction.

    Structure:

    The anatomy of a mushroom fruiting body includes:

    • Cap: The top part of the fruiting body.
    • Gills (or pores): Ridges or structures under the cap where spores are produced.
    • Stalk: The stem of the fruiting body.