Curiosities of the Fungi Kingdom

It is a very extensive Kingdom, it is estimated that there are around 1.5M species or more, however, about 150,000 are described within the nomination fungus (it has a fruiting body, part of it grows under or on the ground, it is visible to the naked eye and you can pick it up with your hands), and around 10% are scientifically described (1) and of these, only 15% are edible (2).

On the other hand, it is estimated that around 1% of mushrooms can be poisonous or hallucinogenic, that is, a small portion within this Kingdom. In some countries, such as China, Japan, and parts of Europe, mushroom catalogs are kept so you can identify edible and inedible mushrooms in the wild.

Broadly speaking, the medicinal benefits that mushrooms provide us are that they are a source of polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes, with anticancer and immunostimulating properties. Furthermore, their main function in nature is to decompose organic matter, both plant and animal, thus contributing to natural cycles such as carbon and nitrogen.

Now, we leave you with some peculiarities of the species belonging to this Fungi Kingdom:

Cell structure : Fungi are made up of eukaryotic cells with defined nuclei. They form a kingdom distinct from animals and plants. They contain a rigid cell wall, which provides support and protection to their cells.

Heterotrophic nutrition : These organisms are heterotrophic, meaning they obtain their nutrients from other organic sources. They are saprophytes, decomposers of dead organic matter, or they can be symbionts, forming mutualistic associations with other organisms.

Reproduction : Fungi can reproduce sexually or asexually. The former involves the fusion of gametes, while asexual reproduction involves the production and germination of spores. Some can even reproduce both ways.

Mycelium : A typical fungal structure consisting of a network of fine filaments called hyphae. It is the primary growth and nutrition structure for fungi and can spread through substrates in search of nutrients.

Ecology : As we mentioned at the beginning, fungi play a fundamental role in ecosystems as decomposers of organic matter and in the cycling of certain nutrients. They also form symbiotic associations with other organisms, such as mycorrhizae with plant roots, which provide nutrients and improve the absorption of water and minerals by plants.

The fungi we use at Fungeat have these characteristics and much more! Stay tuned, as we'll be sharing more information about the Fungi Kingdom and other topics through the Fungeat Blog.

#FungiKingdom #HealthyMushrooms #EdibleMushrooms #MushroomBiodiversity

1. Hawksworth, David. (2001). Mushrooms: The Extent of the Unexplored Potential. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 3. 1. 10.1615/IntJMedMushr.v3.i2-3.60.
2. Dubowitz G. Edible and Poisonous Mushrooms of the World. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2005;16(2):e10-e11. doi:10.1580/1080-6032(2005)16 2.0.CO;2