In the early spring of 1928, an Australian farmer named Jack Trott was plowing his land in preparation for the upcoming growing season. As he glanced backward, he noticed pale like flower structures being tossed into the air. He stopped his tractor to examine the specimens and found these amazing little subterraneous plants, with no green pigments at all... How exactly do these extremely rare orchids acquire their carbon demands? Spoiler alert, through the parasitism of mycorrhizal fungi.
Read moreThe invasive Aureoboletus projectellus
The term invasive species is reserved for non-native organisms that cause ecological damage. When I think of invasive species, I immediately think of species that have originated from a foreign place, that have impacted the ecosystems I know and love in a negative way. I think about invasive species through this perspective, not really recognizing that there are native species from my own backyard that have infiltrated ecosystems in Europe. Take Aureoboletus projectellus for example.
Read moreThe pigskin puffball; Scleroderma citrinum
The pigskin puffball is an awesome species that brings out the child in me. It really does remind me to not take life so seriously. Happy #FungiFriday everyone!
Read morePsilocybin mushrooms; why these forest floor inhabitants cause the human brain to hallucinate
For years, mycologists have questioned why exactly certain fungi have evolved compounds that provide a psychedelic effect on the human brain. Although we still don't have all the answers, we certainly know that the evolution of these psychoactive compounds has nothing to do with us.
Read moreLeccinum species on the East Coast
These amazingly robust mycorrhizal mushrooms not only provide their host plants with nutrients root hairs have a hard time accessing, but water during periods of drought. By aiding trees during their most vulnerable sapling stage, species like these will allow forests to function during these modern times dominated by human disturbances.
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