Fungi are a huge and fascinating kingdom with over 15,000 species in the UK.
They live on land, in the water, in the air, and even in and on plants and animals. They vary widely in size and form, from the microscopically small to the largest organisms on Earth - at several square miles large.
There is no standard definition for a toadstool, and no clear distinction between toadstools and mushrooms. Both terms refer to the fruiting bodies produced by fungi.
Most of these fungi are harmless or even beneficial to plants, but there are a few that can cause disease problems, such as honey fungus and the fairy ring fungi.
The ‘classic’ image of a toadstool is that of a fruiting body with a stalk and a cap.
Many of the fungi produce their fruiting bodies in autumn, although again this will vary with the species. For the rest of the year the presence of the fungus is not as obvious, existing as numerous fine threads or filaments known as hyphae. Together, these make up what is known as the mycelium of the fungus
Wear gloves when handling unknown fungi, or ensure that you wash your hands afterwards.Please be aware that fungi can be deadly poisonous – don’t use this blog to identify them for culinary use. |