Mushroom

fungi · decomposer · spores · nature

What mushrooms are. A mushroom is the part of a fungus that grows above ground, kind of like how an apple tree grows apples. It's made of fleshy tissue and its main job is to make and spread millions of tiny spores that float through the air.

Hidden underground networks. The real fungus lives as thin threads called mycelium that spread through soil, dead wood, or other stuff fungi eat. The mushroom is just the visible fruiting body, like the tip of an iceberg that shows what's happening below.

Poisonous versus safe. A toadstool is just a word for a poisonous mushroom, but there's no scientific difference between a mushroom and a toadstool. Many mushrooms are delicious and safe to eat, while others are deadly, so you should never eat a wild mushroom unless an expert has identified it.

Spreading spores everywhere. Mushrooms release trillions of spores, which are like seeds so tiny you can't see them without a microscope. These spores float on the wind and land in new places where they can grow into new fungi.

Nature's recyclers. Fungi break down dead plants, fallen trees, and other organic matter, returning nutrients back to the soil so new plants can grow. Without mushrooms and fungi, Earth would be buried in dead stuff.