Mushrooms are often regarded simply as toppings for pizza or a savory side dish, but they are so much more than that. As members of the kingdom Fungi, these curious organisms hold secrets that span from prehistoric times to groundbreaking innovations in sustainability. Below, we’ll explore some astonishing facts about mushrooms—backed by reputable sources—that might make you see them in a completely new light.
1. Mushrooms Are More Closely Related to Animals Than Plants
When you see a mushroom, you might assume it behaves like a plant. However, scientists have discovered that fungi share more genetic traits with animals than with plants. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2018, fungi and animals split from plants about 1.1 billion years ago and share certain biochemical pathways not found in the plant kingdom. One key difference is that fungi must find and absorb nutrients from external sources, much like animals do, rather than creating energy through photosynthesis.
Source: NIH, Fungal Biology and Biotech, 2018.
2. Mushrooms Communicate Through an Underground "Wood Wide Web"
Beneath the forest floor lies a massive network of fungal threads called mycelium, which connects not just mushrooms but also the roots of trees and other plants. A famous study led by Dr. Suzanne Simard, published in the journal Nature (1997), found that trees can share nutrients with each other through these fungal highways and even send chemical signals when they’re under attack by pests. This underground system has earned the nickname the “Wood Wide Web,” highlighting the remarkable connectivity and cooperation in forest ecosystems.
Source: Nature, Net transfer of carbon between ectomycorrhizal tree species in the field, 1997.
3. The Largest Living Organism on Earth Is a Fungus
You might be surprised to learn that the world’s largest living organism is not a whale or a giant sequoia, but a colony of Armillaria ostoyae (honey fungus) in Oregon’s Malheur National Forest. According to a study by Dr. Catherine A. Parks, published by the USDA Forest Service in 2003, this subterranean fungus extends over 2,200 acres and is estimated to be more than 2,400 years old. It spreads primarily through mycelial networks, quietly growing beneath the ground and occasionally producing honey-colored mushrooms on the surface.
Source: USDA Forest Service, Armillaria Root Disease Research, 2003.
4. Some Mushrooms Glow in the Dark
Bioluminescence isn’t just for fireflies. Several mushroom species, such as Panellus stipticus and Neonothopanus gardneri, actually emit a soft greenish light at night. An article from Smithsonian Magazine (2016) explains that these mushrooms contain enzymes called luciferases, which react with a compound called luciferin to produce light. Researchers suggest that this glow might attract insects, which then help disperse the mushroom’s spores far and wide.
Source: Smithsonian Magazine, How (and Why) Do Some Mushrooms Glow in the Dark?, 2016.
5. Fungi Can Survive—and Even Thrive—in Space
Fungi have demonstrated an uncanny resilience in extreme environments, including space. A NASA experiment in 2019 exposed certain fungal species like Aspergillus niger to microgravity and cosmic radiation aboard the International Space Station. Remarkably, these fungi survived and even adapted. The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, suggest that fungi could play a role in future space missions, potentially helping with life support or waste decomposition.
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology, Microbial Tracking-1 on ISS, 2019.
6. Nature’s Ultimate Recyclers
One of the reasons mushrooms thrive just about everywhere is their extraordinary ability to break down organic matter. Fungi produce enzymes capable of decomposing tough materials like lignin (found in wood) and cellulose (found in plants). In doing so, they release vital nutrients back into the soil. This process is crucial for ecosystem health and biodiversity. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), these “nutrient recyclers” help sustain agricultural lands by naturally enriching the soil with essential minerals.
Source: FAO, Soil biodiversity and sustainability, 2017.
7. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Plastics and Leather
Mushrooms aren’t just changing ecosystems; they might also revolutionize manufacturing. Companies like Ecovative Design and MycoWorks are pioneering the use of mycelium-based materials to create packaging that can replace plastic foam and leather-like textiles. A 2020 article in Science Advances detailed how mycelium can be grown into custom shapes, then dried to create a durable, compostable product. This innovation could drastically reduce plastic pollution, highlighting the versatility and eco-friendly potential of fungi.
Source: Science Advances, Mycelium materials for sustainable design, 2020.
8. Mushrooms That "Eat" Radioactivity
Fungi’s appetite for unusual nutrients stretches even into radioactive realms. In the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, researchers discovered radiotrophic fungi thriving in the damaged reactor. A 2007 study in the journal PLoS Pathogens found that these fungi contain a pigment called melanin, which seems to help them convert gamma radiation into chemical energy for growth. While still a field of active research, it opens the possibility of using fungi in radioactive cleanup—an innovative process often referred to as mycoremediation.
Source: PLoS Pathogens, Ionizing Radiation: How Fungi Cope, 2007.
9. Medicinal Powerhouses
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and modern research continues to validate many of their therapeutic properties. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), for instance, is known for its immune-boosting compounds, as highlighted in a 2019 review in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Meanwhile, Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) has shown promise in supporting cognitive function, with preliminary studies suggesting it may stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production.
It’s no wonder mushrooms are increasingly viewed as functional foods that could benefit overall well-being.
Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Ganoderma lucidum: A Potent Immunomodulator, 2019.
10. Mushrooms Predate the Dinosaurs
Think dinosaurs are ancient? Fungi have been around even longer. Fossil records suggest that large fungal structures, such as Prototaxites, existed over 400 million years ago, well before the appearance of the first dinosaurs. A 2007 article in Geology discussed how these towering, trunk-like fungi—some reaching over eight meters tall—dominated prehistoric landscapes. Their existence offers a glimpse into how fundamental fungi have been in shaping Earth’s biodiversity.
Source: Geology, Giant Fungi in the Devonian, 2007.
Mushrooms are far more than a culinary ingredient. They are ecological engineers, space survivors, sustainable innovators, and ancient powerhouses that have shaped our planet for eons. From their underground communication networks to their potential for cleaning up pollution and even replacing plastics, fungi hold a wealth of possibilities yet to be fully explored.
The next time you spot a mushroom peeking out of the forest floor or adding flavor to your meal, take a moment to appreciate the intricate web of life it represents. As ongoing research continues to uncover more about these extraordinary organisms, one thing is clear: mushrooms might just be the hidden heroes we never knew we needed.
Article written by Mr. Biprojyoti Bhowmik, Founder of BM Mushroom
Written with information compiled from peer-reviewed journals, NASA research, and reputable organizations such as the USDA, NIH, FAO, and more.
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