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The Living Vault

Field guide: fungi

Intro

Fungi are the hidden architects of life, shaping and adorning ecosystems in both subtle and spectacular ways. Field guide: Fungi invites you to uncover the fascinating world of fungi, exploring their complex structures, relationships and the vibrant forms they produce.

This field guide examines the unique structures and interactions of fungi, which determine their profound impact on ecosystems and the broader natural world. Fungi are essential to the balance of nature, contributing to ecosystems in ways dissimilar to any other plant or animal. A foundational understanding of fungal composition is necessary to grasp the extent of fungi’s complex functional roles and environmental significance.

Species

Golden Chanterelle

Summary

Classification:

  • Species name: golden chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius)

  • Genus: Chanterellus

  • Order: Agaricale

  • Class: Agaricomycetes

Characteristics:

  • Colour: Bright yellow, occasionally orange or white

  • Spore colour: colourless and white  

  • Habitat: Forest floors

  • Ecology: Mycorrhizal association.

Golden chanterelles are popular edible mushrooms characterised by their wavy edges and remarkable “false gills” which decorate a trumpet-shaped cap. The false gills formed underneath the mushroom’s cap are not sporophores, but indistinct gill units, developing as folds in the mushroom's spore-bearing surface. These vivid fungi are typically found growing individually or in small groups and develop at a slower pace than other mushrooms. Despite their slow growth, chanterelles are persistent, often being perennial, meaning they tend to grow in the same location year after year, provided mycelium systems remain undisturbed.

The chanterelle does not have true gills but folded structures that are sometimes called veins.

Species

Cookeina green elf cap

Summary

Classification:

  • Species: Chlorociboria aeruginascens

  • Genus: Chlorociboria

  • Order: Helotiales

  • Class: Leotiomycetes

Characteristics:

  • Colour: Bright blue green

  • Spore colour: Colourless

  • Habitat: Woodland, typically found on decaying barkless wood

  • Ecology: Nutrient recycler, notably within conditions that aren’t suitable for other species.

Unlike most fungi, the mycelium of the green elf cap is observed more commonly than its elusive fruiting body. While the cup-shaped forms of the fungi are infrequently seen, the fungus is commonly evidenced by the prevalent blue-green hue that stains infected wood. This colour is a result of xylindein, an organic pigment created by the fungi’s mycelium. This fungus has been extensively studied for its potential cancer-fighting properties and ability to act as a semiconductor in lights and electronics. However, scientists have been unable to synthetically recreate the blue-green hue of the fungi’s pigment. Within the ecosystem, xylindein may help deter termites and competing fungi, letting the green elf obtain more nutrients from its woody substrate.

the fungi’s cupped form disperses spores into the environment by directing falling raindrops, additionally facilitating the motion of wind currents

Species

Yellow Bridal Veil

Summary

Classification:

  • TBC

Characteristics:

  • TBC

fungi-4

Species

Fluted bird’s nest

Summary

Classification:

  • Species name: Fluted bird’s nest: Cyathus Striatus

  • Genus: Cyathus

  • Order: Agaricales

  • Class: Agaricomycetes

Characteristics:

  • Colour: Light - dark brown

  • Spore colour: Colourless, casing is silver to olive-grey

  • Habitat: Forests rich in decaying or organic matter

  • Ecology: Nutrient recycler (saprotroph)

The fluted bird’s nest fungus features a leathery cup-shaped structure or peridium, which holds small egg-like forms called peridioles. Each peridiole is composed of a hard external casing within which masses of spores are formed. Spore distribution occurs through the fungi’s “splash cup” mechanism. Here, the fungi's slanted structure directs and harnesses the energy of raindrops towards peridioles, which are propelled into the surrounding environment. Peridioles are connected to the main fruiting body by a thin string of filaments called a funiculus, which, upon disruption, unfurl and adhere to nearby leaves or twigs. This adherence allows the connected spore units to be consumed by herbivorous organisms, enabling fungi colonies to be broadly distributed throughout an ecosystem.

The fluted bird’s nest fungus features a leathery cup-shaped structure or peridium, which holds small egg-like forms called peridioles

Species

Giant Elm Bracket

Summary