Mushrooms Are Not Plants
Caleb Ryan
| 24-01-2024
· Plant Team
Do mushrooms belong to the plant kingdom? No, mushrooms are not classified as plants.
They are commonly referred to as "macrofungi" and fall under the umbrella of organisms within the fungal realm.
Unlike plants, mushrooms lack organs such as roots, stems, and leaves, and they do not possess chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
In the fungal world, the mycelium serves as the nutrient organ, while the fruiting organ handles reproduction. It's essential to note that mushrooms do not belong to the plant kingdom.
While both fungi and plants exist within the living world, they exhibit significant differences in biological characteristics and life processes.
Plants harness energy from sunlight through photosynthesis and absorb water and nutrients from the soil through their root systems.
Conversely, fungi cannot engage in photosynthesis and instead acquire organic matter from external sources. They absorb water and nutrients through a mycelial network, akin to an underground root system.
The mushroom boasts a widespread global distribution. Its artificial cultivation yield surpasses that of many edible fungi species. In response to the rising demand for edible fungi, the production of mushrooms has been steadily increasing.
Factory cultivation of mushroom species has become a significant agricultural endeavor, with numerous farmers relying on mushroom cultivation as a lucrative venture.
Mushrooms can also be cultivated indoors by converting nutrients in the culture medium into the necessary growth resources through the continuous development of mycelium.
The optimal temperature range for mushroom growth falls between 18℃ and 20℃. Deviations from this range, either too low or too high, can adversely impact mushroom growth and quality.
Despite not being classified as plants, mushrooms are immensely popular due to their widespread cultivation by people.
This popularity can be attributed to the rich nutritional content of mushrooms, which effectively replenishes human energy needs. Lysine, a crucial amino acid for human growth and development, is abundant in mushrooms, making them an ideal dietary component.
Mushrooms have a distinctive life cycle and specific environmental requirements that set them apart from plants.
Gaining a deeper understanding of the true identity of mushrooms and their differences from plants can enable people to better harness the potential of this intriguing fungal community.
With the improvement in people's living conditions, some households have started cultivating mushrooms at home, treating them like ornamental plants.
This not only provides visual appeal but also serves as a source of edible delights, making it a win-win situation. However, it's important to remind everyone not to consume wild mushrooms indiscriminately to avoid accidentally ingesting poisonous varieties.