Fungi – Learn friend from foe

Fairytales and folklore often depict mushrooms and toadstools as magical little homes where forest folk live.

With increased rain and humidity, lawns and parks are dotted with these mystical fungi, transforming grasslands into mythical wonderlands.

Although they don’t truly serve as homes for elves and pixies, mushroom cultivator Gerhard Barnard of Springs has hosted many talks and information sessions in Benoni to grow interest in these fascinating spores.
“Growing mushrooms was a hobby that took root in my garage. Using two buckets, I successfully grew a yield fit for consumption,” he said.

“The more I grew, the wider my research became, and soon I was presenting informative talks about how you, too, can grow your mushroom produce quickly and efficiently.”

Talking about garden variety wild mushrooms, Barnard said SA’s climate is perfect for growing these delicacies and that the wetter summer months often see increased growth.

“Parents and pet owners are usually the first to become a little panicked when they see clusters of mushrooms sprouting in their gardens, but understanding that these organisms play a vital role in the ecology is crucial.

“Mushrooms decompose organic matter, which benefits other plants’ growth. By forming symbiotic relationships with plants, the spores receive carbon and sugars from the plant, in turn, supplying it with water and nutrients. This is called mycorrhiza.”

He said mycelial networks are those of fungal threads connecting plants, animals and soil.

“Mycelium wraps around or grows into plant roots, forming a network that connects plants to one another. This network allows plants to share water, carbon, nitrogen and other minerals.

“These networks further connect to dead wood and leaf litter, breaking it down into organic matter. This process feeds the fungi, other organisms and plants.”

Barnard explained that various mushrooms have healing properties, but one should never eat any sprouts without proper knowledge or guidance from an expert in the field.

Explore
Horse redish, Deconica, the common fieldcap, and reishi mushrooms are among those commonly found in the garden.

While all of these have the characteristic stem and cap, reishi mushrooms can be found sprouting from the bark and stumps of trees and even possibly damp walls.

“Not all wild mushrooms are poisonous, but it is best to leave them be. Eating most of the common wild mushrooms will result in painful stomach cramps and diarrhoea.

“This is of grave concern to those with young kids and curious animals at home, but where possible, refrain from destroying these essential components of the ecological system,” he pleaded.

“Rather, explore these fascinating organisms with your children. Get down to its level and observe its various components, or look for pixies. Through education, you will keep your loved ones safe while allowing mushrooms to do what they do best.”

If you are interested in learning to grow mushrooms, contact Barnard on 082 931 4025 or barnard.gerhard@gmail.com

Also Read: Boksburg SPCA needs bookshop volunteers