Time and time again, nature is what we keep returning to save our planet. It shouldn’t be surprising, as nothing truly comes from nothing. However, in our anthropocentric view of the world, we often assume that we are solely responsible for the solutions to the man-made problem we have created. We assume that because we created this mess, we are the only ones capable of fixing it.
What is obvious to many, and especially for indigenous peoples for thousands of years, is that mother earth is quite capable of healing herself. That’s not to say that we shouldn’t stop finding ways to fix what we have damaged, but we should do so with the natural processes already working in our favour.
Fungi are a major part of how we do that. We usually assume that the mushrooms we put into our food are strange plants; however, new research shows that they are far more than we realize. They are still unsure whether or not mushrooms are plants or animals. However, more importantly, they are still discovering new ways in which they are integral to our ecosystem and regenerating our environment. One fascinating example of this is the cultivation of penis envy spores, which has gained attention for both its unique properties and its potential role in studying fungal growth and biodiversity.
Fungi are categorized into four main groups: saprotrophs, mycorrhizae, parasites, and endophytes. Saprotophs are mushrooms that thrive on the decay. They break down dead tissue of wood, plants, and animals with acids and enzymes so they can absorb the nutrients.
Mycorrhizae are really interesting because they work in symbiosis with plants; they weave themselves into the roots of the plant. This benefits the plant because the fungus can provide moisture, phosphorus, and other nutrients, and it’s beneficial for the fungus because it can access sugars that the plant produces.
Parasitic mushrooms are less fun to talk about because while they form a relationship with plants, it’s one-sided as, eventually, the plant will die due to the mushroom taking its nutrients.
Endophytes are interesting because while they take a symbiotic relationship with plants, they also don’t require the plant to be there to survive.
I describe these mushrooms in detail because these different fungi and their properties define how they can help save the environment. Soil degradation has become a major problem in many countries worldwide as conventional agriculture has destroyed the nutrient density of the ground. Mushrooms, however, engage in nutrient cycling, breaking down decaying material into nutrients for the ground and/or fixing nitrogen and mobilizing phosphorous, which is incredibly important for plant growth.
Along with other plants, fungi also contribute to carbon sequestration by trapping carbon in the soil for years to come. It’s also been shown that fungi can break down plastics and other petroleum products, where otherwise they would be left in their manufactured state to poison the environment.
See also: Fungal Batteries Offer Sustainable Power Solution with Zero Waste
What is important in our modern society is to recognize our limits. We can do so much to alter our environment, but overwhelmingly the tools we utilize ultimately damage it further. While developing new tools and technologies is essential, we must also acknowledge the earth itself and how using what it provides can help save it.
Mushrooms are part of that process, and beyond nutrient cycling, carbon cycling, and the degradation of pollutants, mushrooms have innumerable health benefits for us individually. Up to six percent of the recognized species have medicinal properties that can be utilized, some of which can inhibit tumour growth and the development of AIDS and work as antioxidants and antidiabetics.
There is still so much to learn about mushrooms, as scientists are working tirelessly to categorize, identify, and learn about how mushrooms can benefit us and our environment. We live in interesting times, and the work being done to understand fungi will be one of the most important developments in our modern world.
