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What are fungi?

Fungi have their own Kingdom separate from plants and animals. Unlike plants, fungi lack chlorophyll and therefore do not manufacture their own energy. The basic structures of fungi are microscopic cobweb-like threads called hyphae which comprise the feeding and growing body of the fungus - mycelium . The majority of the world’s fungi are microscopic and mostly they do not produce structures visible to the naked eye except if the hyphae form a thick growth. These fungi are commonly referred to as ‘moulds’.

Mycelium amongst soil and rocks

However perhaps the most familiar fungi are those which produce spore-bearing fruit bodies clearly visible to the naked eye. They are the so-called ‘larger fungi’ or ‘macrofungi’. Their large structures such as mushrooms, toadstools, puffballs, coral fungi, earthstars, truffles are the spore-bearing fruit bodies of these fungi. The large types of fungi are the focus for FungiBank. 

Agaricus mushroom	Gymnopilus on side of tree

Fungal fruit bodies are in one way analogous to the flowers and fruits on plants, but the leaves and branches of most plants remain conspicuous after flowering/fruiting has been completed whereas most fungi cannot easily be found before and after fruiting. Usually the only obvious part of fungal life cycles is when they fruit. No wonder the functions of fungi crucial to healthy ecosystems are often not recognized - as the fungi function underground, out of sight.

For a diagram of fungal parts see Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne.

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