24 Fungi Factoids

The ancient Egyptians believed that mushrooms sprang up from the tears of the god Osiris. (Source: National Geographic)

The spores of some fungi can survive in space and could potentially travel to other planets. (Source: BBC)

In traditional Chinese medicine, the caterpillar fungus (Cordyceps sinensis) is believed to have numerous health benefits, including increasing energy and improving sexual function. (Source: Harvard Health Publishing)

Some mushrooms, such as the Amanita muscaria, contain psychoactive compounds that can cause hallucinations and other effects. (Source: Healthline)

The bright orange-red caps of the lobster mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum) are actually the result of a parasitic fungus growing on a host mushroom. (Source: KQED Science)

Fungi are more closely related to animals than to plants, and they play a crucial role in many ecosystems as decomposers and recyclers. (Source: American Museum of Natural History)

The world's most expensive mushroom, the Matsutake, can fetch prices of up to $1,000 per pound and is highly prized in Japanese cuisine. (Source: NPR)

The ink cap mushroom (Coprinopsis atramentaria) is known for its unusual method of spore dispersal: as it matures, it dissolves itself into a black, inky fluid that contains its spores. (Source: The Guardian)

Some species of fungi glow in the dark, a phenomenon known as bioluminescence. The glow is thought to attract insects that help disperse the fungus's spores. (Source: National Geographic)

The blue-staining mushroom (Entoloma hochstetteri) native to New Zealand can cause intense hallucinations when ingested, leading to its nickname "werewolf mushroom." (Source: New Zealand Geographic)

The mycelium of some fungi can grow up to several miles in length and can communicate with each other through chemical signals. (Source: NPR)

The smell of some mushrooms, such as the stinkhorn (Phallus impudicus), resembles that of rotting flesh and is believed to attract flies that help spread the spores. (Source: National Geographic)

The ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea) can grow on rye and other grains, and its alkaloids can cause a condition known as ergotism, which can result in hallucinations, gangrene, and even death. (Source: Live Science)

Some fungi are bioluminescent and can emit light in various colors, including green, blue, and yellow. (Source: Smithsonian Magazine)

The truffle is a type of underground mushroom that can only be found with the help of trained dogs or pigs due to its strong odor. It is considered a delicacy in many cuisines. (Source: The Guardian)

The yellow-orange color of the fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria) was once used to dye the robes of Buddhist monks in some parts of Asia. (Source: The Atlantic)

Some species of fungi are capable of breaking down and digesting plastic, which could be useful in the fight against plastic pollution. (Source: Science)

The "bleeding tooth fungus" (Hydnellum peckii) secretes a red, blood-like substance when cut or injured, leading to its gruesome nickname. (Source: The New York Times)

Some fungi have the ability to form complex, mutually beneficial relationships with plant roots, known as mycorrhizae. (Source: ScienceDaily)

In some cultures, mushrooms have been used for thousands of years for their medicinal properties, such as boosting the immune system and treating infections. (Source: Harvard Health Publishing)

The "brain mushroom" (Gyromitra esculenta) contains a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death, but is still considered a delicacy in some parts of Europe when properly prepared. (Source: The Guardian)

The largest living organism in the world, the honey fungus (Armillaria ostoyae), is estimated to be around 2,400 years old. (Source: The New York Times)

Some species of fungi can survive extreme conditions, such as high radiation, extreme heat or cold, and even exposure to outer space. (Source: The Conversation)

The psychedelic compound psilocybin, found in some species of mushrooms, is being studied as a potential treatment for depression, anxiety, and addiction. (Source: The New Yorker)