29 Fungi Factoids

The "brain mushroom" (Gyromitra esculenta) contains a toxin that can cause severe illness or even death if not cooked properly. (Source: The New York Times)

Some mushrooms, such as the turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), contain compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. (Source: Cancer Research UK)

The "candy cap" mushroom (Lactarius fragilis) has a sweet, maple-like scent and is used to flavor desserts and other sweet dishes. (Source: The Kitchn)

The "scaly vase chanterelle" (Gomphus floccosus) gets its name from the vase-like shape of its cap and the scaly appearance of its stem. (Source: Mushroom Appreciation)

The "garden giant" (Stropharia rugosoannulata) is a type of mushroom that can help break down organic matter, making it a useful addition to compost piles. (Source: Cornell University)

Some mushrooms, such as the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), can grow on a variety of substrates, including coffee grounds and even used diapers. (Source: Forbes)

The "weeping toothcrust" (Hydnellum peckii) has a spiky, tooth-like appearance and secretes a dark, blood-like liquid. (Source: Popular Science)

Some mushrooms, such as the "fairy inkcap" (Coprinellus disseminatus), can dissolve themselves into a black, inky substance as they decompose. (Source: Atlas Obscura)

The "dog vomit slime mold" (Fuligo septica) is not actually a mushroom, but a type of slime mold that can resemble a mass of yellow, vomit-like goo. (Source: Mental Floss)

Some mushrooms, such as the "destroying angel" (Amanita bisporigera), contain deadly toxins that can cause liver and kidney failure. (Source: Healthline)

The "hen of the woods" (Grifola frondosa) gets its name from its ruffled, fan-like appearance, which resembles the feathers of a hen. (Source: The Spruce Eats)

Some species of fungi can form mutually beneficial relationships with plant roots, exchanging nutrients for sugars in a process known as mycorrhizal symbiosis. (Source: Scientific American)

The "sulphur tuft" (Hypholoma fasciculare) is a bright yellow mushroom that is toxic to humans and can cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. (Source: BBC)

Some mushrooms, such as the "chicken of the woods" (Laetiporus sulphureus), can be cooked to resemble the texture and flavor of chicken meat. (Source: Treehugger)

The "corpse finder" mushroom (Stinkhorn fungus) smells like rotting flesh to attract flies, which help spread its spores. (Source: Live Science)

The "caterpillar fungus" (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is a type of mushroom that grows on the bodies of caterpillars and is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine. (Source: National Geographic)

The "bleeding tooth fungus" (Hydnellum peckii) appears to ooze a blood-like liquid when it is cut or damaged. (Source: Smithsonian Magazine)

The "golden chanterelle" (Cantharellus cibarius) is a prized edible mushroom that is often used in French cuisine. (Source: Food & Wine)

Some mushrooms, such as the "artist's conk" (Ganoderma applanatum), can be used to make natural dyes for textiles and paper. (Source: Mother Earth News)

The "beefsteak mushroom" (Fistulina hepatica) gets its name from its meaty texture and is often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes. (Source: The Spruce Eats)

Some mushrooms, such as the "shaggy mane" (Coprinus comatus), have delicate, ink-cap-shaped caps that can dissolve into ink-like liquid when exposed to rain or dew. (Source: Garden Design)

The "stinking parasol" (Chlorophyllum rhacodes) is a type of mushroom that emits a foul odor and can cause gastrointestinal distress if eaten raw. (Source: Mushroom Appreciation)

Some mushrooms, such as the "false morel" (Gyromitra esculenta), contain toxins that can cause liver and kidney damage if consumed in large amounts. (Source: The New York Times)

The "oak bracket fungus" (Inonotus dryadeus) grows in the hollows of old oak trees and can be used to make a tea that is said to have immune-boosting properties. (Source: Healthline)

The "panaeolus mushroom" (Panaeolus cinctulus) contains psychoactive compounds and has been used as a recreational drug. (Source: The Third Wave)

The "destroying angel" (Amanita virosa) is one of the most poisonous mushrooms in the world, with toxins that can cause severe liver and kidney damage. (Source: Verywell Mind)

Some mushrooms, such as the "lion's mane" (Hericium erinaceus), have been shown to have neuroprotective properties and may be helpful in treating neurological disorders. (Source: Healthline)

The "weeping bolete" (Suillus granulatus) secretes a sticky, amber-colored fluid when it is cut or damaged. (Source: Audubon Society)

The "elm oyster" (Hypsizygus ulmarius) is a type of mushroom that grows on the dead and decaying wood of elm trees and is prized for its sweet, nutty flavor. (Source: Mushroom Appreciation)