| Revision as of 01:54, 19 January 2003 view sourceGbleem (talk | contribs)4,630 editsmNo edit summary← Previous edit | Revision as of 02:39, 19 January 2003 view source Gbleem (talk | contribs)4,630 edits I removed the paragraph about the basidium because the cap is not the basidium.Next edit → | ||
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| The term '''mushroom''' ussually refers to ] that have a shaft and a cap but is also used to refer to visible fungi in general. | |||
| A '''mushroom''' is the fruiting body of a ]. This is usually the basidium of a ], the part of the fungus that is designed to release ]s into the air. It is an extension of the ] in the substrate. Since the visible mushroom is only the ], and not the whole organism, mushrooms will regrow given enough time and if the fungus survives. The cells that make up mushrooms are called ]e. | |||
| Mushrooms are used extensively in ] in many ]. However, many mushrooms are poisonous, and eating them can be fatal. Picking your own wild mushrooms is extremely risky and a practice not to be undertaken by amateurs. Mushrooms and other fungi are studied by ]s. | Mushrooms are used extensively in ] in many ]. However, many mushrooms are poisonous, and eating them can be fatal. Picking your own wild mushrooms is extremely risky and a practice not to be undertaken by amateurs. Mushrooms and other fungi are studied by ]s. | ||
| Note: Sometimes the term ] is used to mean an edible fungus or edible part of a fungus instead of the basidium. | |||
| For example the ] (<i>Morchella</i>), is often called a mushroom even though it is an ] and therefore does not have a basidium. | |||
| ] mushrooms possess ] and are commonly known as "'shrooms". A number of other mushrooms are eaten for their psychoactive effects, including ]. | ] mushrooms possess ] and are commonly known as "'shrooms". A number of other mushrooms are eaten for their psychoactive effects, including ]. | ||
Revision as of 02:39, 19 January 2003
The term mushroom ussually refers to fungi that have a shaft and a cap but is also used to refer to visible fungi in general.
Mushrooms are used extensively in cooking in many cuisines. However, many mushrooms are poisonous, and eating them can be fatal. Picking your own wild mushrooms is extremely risky and a practice not to be undertaken by amateurs. Mushrooms and other fungi are studied by mycologists.
Psilocybin mushrooms possess hallucinogenic properties and are commonly known as "'shrooms". A number of other mushrooms are eaten for their psychoactive effects, including Fly Agaric.
Spores released from the fan-shaped basidiocarp of this inch-wide Crinipellis perniciosa mushroom can infect cacao trees and drastically reduce yields of the beans from which cocoa and chocolate products are made.
Crinipellis perniciosa mushroom thumbnail
Larger Crinipellis perniciosa mushroom image
