Fig. 11.

Fungi

A. ‘Fairy ring’ of an unidentified Basidiomycete fungus around a pine tree at the University of Warwick, UK, a surface manifestation of a mycelial network belowground.

B. Colony of the halophilic, melanin‐rich black yeast/fungus Hortaea werneckii (field of view is ~ 1 cm²).

C. Three giant puffball fruiting bodies (Calvatia gigantea) in Wivenhoe Woods, UK, each ~ 30 cm in diameter. The hymenium, i.e. the tissue layer from which spores form, is internal. A specimen of this size would release around five trillion spores (Li, 2011).

D. Basidiomycete fruiting bodies on the rotting, wooden edging of a path.

E. Basidiomycete fruiting bodies of the shaggy bracket (Inonotus hispidus), which has its hymenium housed in pores, are seen here on the trunk of a tree in northern England. Hispidin, a phenolic metabolite produced by this species, is an antioxidant with potential pharmaceutical applications.

F. Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) fruiting body in Wivenhoe Woods, UK.

G. Amethyst Deceiver (Laccaria sp.) fruiting body in Wivenhoe Woods, UK.

H. Stereoscopic image of the underside of a Basidiomycete fruiting body with the hymenium housed in gills (Hygrophorus sp.; radius is ~ 1 cm).

I. Rust fungus (most likely Puccinia aristidae) on Chenopodium album in a garden in St. Saturnin‐les‐Avignon, France. The copious urediospores have dusted the stones behind the plant, colouring them orange.

J. Fungal rhizomorphs of the saprophytic and root parasitic honey fungus (Armillaria mellea) on a rotting tree trunk in Broc, Switzerland. These structures are very resistant and are able to explore their environments on metre scales to scavenge for nutrients and then to translocate fluids bidirectionally. There are many excellent mycology teaching resources, notably ‘Mushrooms primary school activity pack’. Photographs A, C, D, E, F and G by Terry McGenity, B by Polona Zalar, H by Saskia Bindschedler, I by Cindy Morris and J by Andrea Lohberger.