Mushrooms and Other Fungi

Mushrooms are a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms that include molds, yeasts, mildews, rusts, smuts, and, of course, mushrooms themselves, all part of the fungi kingdom. These fungi produce fruiting bodies, which are essential for recycling nutrients and breaking down dead plant material. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, but they don’t have roots, stems, or leaves like plants do. Even though the fungi that produce mushrooms are a small part of the fungal kingdom, their size makes them quite noticeable. These organisms interact with many other life forms, often forming beneficial partnerships with plants, insects, bacteria, and other microorganisms. They help improve soil structure, break down wood and organic matter, and make nutrients from decaying plants available to living plants.

Mushrooms are heterotrophic, meaning they can’t create their own food. They play three important roles in the ecosystem: decomposers, parasites, and mycorrhizal partners. Decomposers break down organic material, returning vital nutrients to the soil to help plants grow. Mycorrhizal fungi connect with plants, creating important relationships. Some species form complex partnerships with the roots of trees and plants, and certain fungi can even trigger immune responses in a plant community when one plant is attacked by a parasite. Ongoing studies into these intricate relationships highlight how crucial fungi are for keeping forest ecosystems healthy and resilient.

Mushrooms differ from plants because they belong to the fungi kingdom. They have a structure that resembles plants, with a stem and cap, and they possess cell walls. Most fungi actually grow underground and can spread over large areas. Unlike plants, mushrooms cannot produce their own food; they depend on enzymes to break down other materials for their nutrition. Mushrooms frequently grow together with plants, which aids in recycling nutrients and decomposing dead plant material.

Common Mushrooms in New Mexico:

• Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria): Known for its iconic red cap with white spots, this mushroom is toxic and can cause hallucinations. This type of fungus can make people hallucinate, lower their blood pressure, make them feel sick, cause them to lose their balance, and in rare cases, it could even be deadly.
• Pear-shaped Puffball (Apioperdon pyriforme): Found on rotting logs, these mushrooms are nonpoisonous but resemble some toxic species, can be found from July to November during its long fruiting season.
• Violet-toothed Polypore (Trichaptum biforme) has a shell-like shape and purple stripes, growing on decaying aspen and poplar trees. It can be dangerous for dogs, leading to stomach problems and dehydration.
• The Green-spored Parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites) is the most frequently eaten poisonous mushroom in New Mexico, often mistaken for safe edible types.
• Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) have a fan shape and sturdy stems, usually growing in clusters. They were first grown in Germany during World War I to help with food shortages caused by rationing. These mushrooms are also known to be carnivorous and can be found in many grocery stores.
• Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus) is a tall mushroom with a unique shaggy look due to its scales. They can grow alone or in groups directly from the ground.
• Ink Caps (Coprinellus micaceus) are bell-shaped mushrooms with grayish-brown caps that can quickly break down within hours after being picked.
• Common Puffball Mushrooms, are commonly found in New Mexico. They are known for their large size and bright white color.
• Dyer's Polypore Mushrooms, specifically Phaeolus schweinitzii, can grow up to 25 cm wide and come in various colors, but they are not safe to eat.
• The Orange Jelly Spot, which was first discovered in New England, has unique clusters of caps that can reach 6 cm in diameter and are a bright orange-yellow color.
• Artist's Bracket Mushrooms, or Ganoderma applanatum, grow directly from tree trunks and have a hard, woody feel, often looking like leather. The name "Artist's Bracket" comes from its white underside, which is perfect for carving designs into the mushroom.
• Summer Oyster Mushrooms, such as Pleurotus pulmonarius, are known for their large size and unique look, making them the most commonly grown type in New Mexico.
• Schrenk's Red-belted Conk, a newly identified species, has a woody cap with a smooth top and a bumpy edge, showing a color change from whitish-orange at the bottom to bright orange or brown in the middle, and creamy-white at the edge.
• Western Giant Puffballs, also known as Calvatia boonian mushrooms, are large, round, and edible mushrooms found in New Mexico. They grow singly or in groups and are part of an extensive underground fungus network.
• Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius): A golden-yellow, trumpet-shaped mushroom that's highly sought after in the culinary world.
• Ringless Honey Mushroom (Armillaria tabescens): A parasitic fungus that grows on tree stumps and trunks.