Fungi and lichens

Did you know...

Fungi usually appear in forests after rainy days. It is often said: ˝They sprang up like mushrooms after the rain˝. A large amount of water has a bad influence on the fungus’ mycelium. In a short time, the mycelium generates numerous fruiting bodies with spores which will ensure the fungus’ existence in the following generation.

Despite being very resistant organisms (even to a complete drainage), lichens are very sensitive to air pollution, especially by sulphur oxides. If we follow their spread, we can establish the air pollution level in the cities.

Grey spotted Amanita (Amanita spissa) is extremely similar to the poisonous and lethal mushroom, the Panther cap (Amanita pantherina). Before you gather and use mushrooms for food, it is essential you get to know them exceptionally well!

FUNGI AND LICHENS

Fungi are one of the least explored organisms group in Croatia. Although many people are involved in mushroom growing and gather the fruiting bodies of edible fungi, it is assumed there are only 20% of species recorded so far. Namely, what most people consider to be a ‘mushroom’ is its smaller, aboveground part which serves as reproduction and is called the fruiting body. Spores develop in the fruiting body, and enable the fungi to spread. The true fungus body, mycelium, is hidden in the soil and consists of masses of filamentous cells – hyphae. The hyphae grow through their meals, whether it is a layer of dry leaves, a tree, a dead animal or any other organic matter.

Fungi are very important members of the ecosystem, as they decompose dead organisms and return mineral substances to the soil, necessary for the growth and development of plants. Many fungi live in mycorrhiza – a symbiotic relationship with woody plants such as spruce and oak. A fungus provides a plant with the access to water, mineral substances and other important compounds, whereas plants provide fungi with organic matter which they cannot produce on their own. Most of our forest trees live in mycorrhizae with fungi, otherwise their growth would be significantly slower.

If you take a closer look, you will notice lichens on the trees’ crust, bare rocks or walls. Lichens are not independent organisms; they are a symbiosis of a fungus and algae. Algae photosynthesize and produce organic substances, while the fungus provides the algae with water and protection. It is exactly this relationship that enables them to inhabit the habitats where other organisms cannot find favourable living conditions.