Fungi and Lichens

Fungi

Fungi are neither plants nor animals, but are recognised as an entirely separate kingdom of living organisms. They are found everywhere and are of importance environmentally as they aid tree growth and are vital agents of decay and the recycling of nutrients.

In most instances, the main body of the fungi is hidden from view. It consists of a mass of thin threads called Hyphae which permeate the growing medium such as rotting wood, soil or leaf litter. The Hyphae feed the fungi and their collective name is Mycelium. Toadstools are the fungal fruit bodies whose job is to produce and disperse spores.

Difference between Mushrooms and Toadstools : In the strictest sense, the term Mushroom refers only to members of the genus Agaricus, ie cultivated white button mushrooms. The term Toadstool is typically applied to any fungi with a cap and stem that appears to be different from Agaricus.

These are not hard and fast identifications, therefore, do not use them to determine which fungi are edible. Some fungi are very poisonous.

Click on images below for more information on specific fungi.

Lichens

Lichens are not plants. They are a combination of two simple organisms, a fungus and one or more algae growing together in partnership to their mutual benefit.

The fungus forms most of the body of the lichen providing a protective layer around the algal cells. The algae produce nutrients for both partners by photosynthesis.

These are not hard and fast identifications. Click on the images below for more information.