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The mystical realm of Tane Mahuta, the god of the forest, is found nowhere else but Aotearoa, New Zealand. Some of Tane's wonderful creations include trees, plants, and various creatures such as spiders, birds, and reptiles. These creatures were cherished and valued by their ancient guardians.

One of Tane's wondrous creations is the fungi kingdom. Fungi are vital to forest health and help plants absorb nutrients from the soil. However, not all fungi are beneficial, and some pose threats to the ecosystem. Let's investigate the positive and negative aspects of these fascinating organisms.

The Hidden World of Fungi

This video takes you on a journey through the enchanting world of fungi. There are far more fungal species than plant species, and they have a wide range of roles – some helpful, some harmful. Fungi are crucial recyclers of nutrients in the forest, breaking down organic matter and returning essential elements to the ecosystem.

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What is this mysterious organism, the fungi? Where can I find them?

Fungi can be found everywhere – from the dampest corners to the driest deserts, from the tallest trees to the tiniest insects. While some are visible to the naked eye, many are hidden, hidden deep within their hosts, difficult to see with our mortal eyes. Fungi are an integral part of the forest, but their disguised nature means that many remain unknown, hidden secrets within their hidden lairs. There are all sorts of fungi – some large, some small, some bright, some camouflaged, hidden within the countless nooks and crannies. Fungi can be found everywhere, high and low, revealing their secrets to those who dare to seek them.

The Fungal Kingdom

This video introduces the fascinating world of fungi. There are more fungal species than plant species, and they have a diverse set of roles, both positive and negative. Fungi are essential recyclers of nutrients in the forest and help plants take up minerals from the soil.

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According to Western science, fungi are not plants, not wood, not algae. They are, however, lifeforms that can mimic the appearances of plants, in the form of trees and mushrooms. But they do not photosynthesize, so they cannot survive like plants. What do fungi eat, where can I find them?

The truth is, fungi eat everything – from decaying organic matter, to the corpses of plants and animals, to the bottom of your shoe, to the splinters of wood, to the invisible promises of hidden waters, to the skies, to within you! Fungi are a unique lifeform, though some are clever enough to be mistaken for others, especially those that mimic flies, birds, and small reptiles. However, beware of their cunning deception – the mimic quickly fades, and the true nature of the mimic is revealed. So, how can one find these elusive deceptors?

Sources of Life – Everything and Everyone?

Some fungi have adapted to eat almost everything – from decomposing matter in the depths of the ocean to the poisonous toxins of bacteria. But others are more selective, only eating specific types of food like specific fruits, specific insects, or specific minerals. In the same way, humans eat for sustenance – to live, to grow, to continue – so do fungi. But unlike humans, fungi do not consume food directly, instead they absorb nutrients. So, what do fungi consume, how do they eat?

Hidden Homes of Fungi

The more you search, the more myriad the hidden homes of fungi become – they live everywhere, on everything, with everyone! They are found everywhere, from the deepest darkest corners of the underworld to the highest peaks of the heavens, from the smallest insects to the mightiest trees, from the hottest deserts to the coldest polar regions. Homes to these hidden dwellers vary – some are wooden structures like logs and tree trunks, some are underground tunnels, some are watery bogs, some are airy cavities, some are within other organisms, and some are found nowhere at all. Fungi live everywhere, intertwined with everything, with everyone!

The Fungal Kingdom

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The duckweed mushroom (Tetracentron sinense) from the Far East is an example of a myco-parasite, a fungus that parasitizes other fungi. It parasitizes the roots of a tall tree, making it lean in a certain direction. In this illustration, the duckweed mushroom parasitizes the taproot of a Pōhutukawa tree.

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© CC BY 4.0When you venture into the forest of Tane Mahuta in the rain, avoid treading too heavily. Or better yet, stick to manuka, kanuka, or pohutukawa trees. Many fungi thrive in the roots of these bushes and trees. As you walk through the forest, you might stumble upon fungi growing on the base of a tree or in the soil between roots. If you come across a hidden fungus growing inside a fallen tree, reach out and touch it. It will feel slimy, just like a second skin. This is how fungi eat – they wrap themselves around their food just like a second skin, absorbing nutrients from the inside. If you make contact with a fungus, you will notice a subtle but different texture from normal soil.

Conservation and Fungi

New Zealand Conservation and Fungi

Dr. Peter Buchanan talks about the particular dilemmas faced in conserving native fungi. While many of our fungi are endangered, they also cause disease, sometimes on rare plants. How do scientists decide what to save?

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Many fungi in New Zealand are endangered, yet they also cause disease, sometimes on rare plants. How do scientists decide what to save?

Some fungi are hard to salvage, as they tend to prefer specific environments like damp caves or rare tree species. Furthermore, some fungi are associated with particular animals and plants, which can complicate conservation efforts. However, scientists have devised strategies to ensure these precious species are protected. Regular monitoring of these endangered fungi through surveys and surveys for volunteers is essential. Additionally, captive breeding programs have been established for certain fungi, ensuring their survival in controlled environments.

One such example is the dual-species mycorrhizal network, where two species of fungi work together to increase the nutrient uptake of host trees. This symbiotic relationship has been observed in numerous forest ecosystems worldwide and is considered essential for the health of these ecosystems.

Mycology Communities

The Subterranean Society

The mycological community can be found deep within the underground network of fungi.

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How can I find hidden fungi?

The majesty of Tane Mahuta shines in different seasons, revealing its hidden treasures. In the fall, the vibrant colors of the leaves announce the arrival of autumn, and the bold colors of the fungi are a beautiful contrast. In the winter, the fungi keep themselves hidden beneath the snow, waiting for the warmth to return. In the spring, the fungi emerge with the freshness of new life, revealing themselves to the world again. In the summer, the fungi continue to thrive, hidden within their mossy beds or under the protection of tree branches.

Hiding Spots

Here are a few hiding spots for fungi:

The moist dark crevices of tree trunks and logs
Hidden within the decaying carcasses of plants and animals
Underneath the roots of trees where they are sheltered from the sun
On the bark of tall trees, especially those with wide trunks
Inside the footwear of wanderers, carrying the spores of hidden fungi
In the air, breathed in by passersby and carried away on the wind
In the soil, hiding beneath the surface and waiting for the perfect conditions to emerge

The Fungal Kingdom

This video introduces the wonderful world of fungi. There are more fungal species than plant species, and they have a range of roles, both positive and negative. Fungi are important recyclers of nutrients in the forest and help plants take up minerals from the soil.

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E ai ki te pūtaiao Pākehā, ehara te hekaheka i te tipu, pēnei i te rākau, i te otaota. Ko tā te tipu, he hanga i āna ake kai i roto i ōna rau, mā te whakamahi i te aho o Tamanuiterā me tētahi haurehu kei te hau takiwā, arā, ko te hauhā (CO). Kāore e taea e te hekaheka tēnei mahi. Me tiki kē te hekaheka i te kai māna i wāhi kē - i ngā puna kai ora, i ngā puna kai mate anō hoki. He pērā anō te kīrehe - kāore e waihanga i āna ake kai. Engari ko te rerekē o te kīrehe, ka oreore, ka neke haere ki te kimi kai māna. Tēnā ia ko te hekaheka, kāore e neke. Nō reira, me pēhea te hekaheka e kimi kai ai māna?

The Health Benefits of Fungi - Are all these health benefits real?

See moreVarious medicinal and edible properties of fungi have been documented in New Zealand.

I whakahāngaitia mai i Gordon, D.P. (ed) 2009. New Zealand Inventory of Biodiversity. Vol. 1: Kingdom Animalia - Radiata, Lophotrochozoa, Deuteromstomia. Canterbury University Press, Christchurch.

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The longevity of mushrooms and fungi that resemble trees has fascinated humans since ancient times. In the past, interesting places where fungi were found were considered sacred spots, and they were often associated with various deities and spirits. Today, scientists continue to study these fascinating lifeforms, discovering their numerous benefits for human health.

Some fungi have been shown to have immune-boosting properties, while others act as natural antibiotics. Certain species of fungi are believed to be rich sources of antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage. Additionally, some fungi have the ability to produce compounds that inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, it is important to note that not all fungi are edible or safe to consume, and some can cause severe allergic reactions or even death.

Sources of Health – What's the best way to find healthy fungi?

See moreVarious medicinal and edible properties of fungi have been documented in New Zealand.

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There are many edible and medicinal fungi found in New Zealand, but it is essential to know which ones to avoid and which ones are safe to consume. It is especially important to be cautious when consuming wild fungi, as some species can cause serious digestive problems or even death.

It is recommended to learn from a knowledgeable mycologist or a local expert before consuming wild fungi. Some organizations offer workshops on the identification and collection of edible fungi. Additionally, a few books and online resources are available to help identify fungi found in New Zealand.

It is also important to cook wild fungi before consuming them, as cooking can help kill off any potentially harmful bacteria or toxins. Cooking may also improve the taste and texture of the fungi.

The Underground Community

The interconnected network of fungi beneath the ground creates a complex social structure, which is often compared to a city's sewer system.

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In addition to the medicinal properties of fungi, some fungi produce compounds known to have psychoactive effects. These compounds can alter a person's state of consciousness and have been used for spiritual and healing purposes in various cultures throughout history. However, it is important to note that the consumption of these compounds can be dangerous and should only be attempted by trained professionals.

Although the psychedelic properties of certain fungi have been known for thousands of years, only recently have scientists begun to understand how these compounds work and what impact they have on the brain. Some compounds, such as psilocybin, act by mimicking the effects of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation, cognition, and perception. Research on the therapeutic potential of these compounds is ongoing, and there is increasing interest in their use in the treatment of mental health disorders such as depression, addiction, and PTSD.

Sources of Pleasure – Are all sources of pleasure safe?

See moreThere are various ways to find fungi that have psychoactive properties, including through research, purchasing online, or growing them yourself. However, it is important to be aware that these compounds can have profound and unpredictable effects on a person's mental and emotional state, and should only be used under the guidance of a trained professional.

It is also important to note that the cultivation and possession of certain psychoactive fungi are illegal in some countries, including the United States. In addition, some species of fungi that produce these compounds can be harmful or even deadly if ingested, and it is essential to take precautions when handling these substances.

Further, it is important to be aware that the use of these substances carries a risk of addiction and other negative consequences, and should be approached with caution and respect for their powerful effects.

Quiz

Here are some common misconceptions about fungi:

All fungi are safe to eat. False. Some fungi are poisonous and can cause serious illness or death. It is essential to know which ones to avoid.
Fungi are plants. False. Fungi are a separate kingdom of organisms that lack chlorophyll and do not photosynthesize. They rely on other organisms for nutrients.
Fungi are microscopic organisms. False. Some fungi are tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye, but many are large and can be easily spotted in the wild.
Fungi are parasites that harm their hosts. False. While some fungi can be pathogenic and cause disease in plants and animals, many are mutualistic and provide benefits to their hosts, such as decomposing organic matter and helping plants take up nutrients.
All fungi have psychoactive properties. False. Only certain species of fungi produce compounds that have psychoactive effects, and their consumption should be approached with caution.

Glossary

mycorrhiza (my-ko-ry-za) - A type of symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the roots of a plant, in which the fungus helps the plant absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
spores (spahrz) - The reproductive cells of fungi, which are released into the air and can germinate to form new fungi.
decomposer (dee-kom-pa-stir) - An organism that breaks down dead organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the environment.
medicinal properties (med-i-sin-al) - The healing or therapeutic effects of an organism or substance.
psychoactive (sigh-ko-ak-tiv) - A substance that alters a person's state of consciousness, often having effects on mood, perception, and behavior.

Overview

In conclusion, fungi play an important role in the ecosystems of the world and have a wide range of properties that benefit humans, from medicinal to edible. However, it is essential to approach fungi with caution and seek the guidance of a knowledgeable expert before consuming or using them in any way. With the ongoing research into the properties of fungi, we can expect to continue learning more about their potential benefits and applications in the future.

The video explores how fungi, a crucial part of forest health, play a vital role in forest nutrient cycling.
Fungi can be found everywhere, from the dampest corners to the driest deserts, often disguised and hidden.
In New Zealand, conservation efforts are ongoing to protect endangered fungi, which can have complications due to their specific environmental requirements.
Some fungi are edible and are considered sources of antioxidants, immune boosters, and natural antibiotics, but it is crucial to know which ones are safe to consume.
Fungi create an underground social structure, often compared to a city's sewer system, and some species produce compounds with psychoactive effects used for spiritual or healing purposes.

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