Mushrooms are nature's magical creation.
They are found everywhere, on treetrunks, lawns, flowerbeds, woodlands etc.

What we call "Mushroom" is neither plant nor animal. Mushrooms are a step up from plants. They are more closely related to humans. The gross DNA of a mushroom has more similarity with the DNA of animals than of plants.

Mushroom is an organism called "Mycelium"; this is an underground mass of cells which is white and cobwebby. Mushroom mycelia have three major functions:

1>>They parasitize insects, other fungi
or trees.

2>>Decompose dead vegetation.

3>>Nourish many plants, especially trees.

Mushrooms have a lot of physical diversity.
They differ greatly in color, size, shape, surface texture, fragrance,and taste.

Here ,in the next few posts I will show some of their diversity.

Mushrooms differ greatly in color, from white, pink, orange, red, yellow, brown, green, violet, blue to all the shades inbetween.

Here are some totally white ones.

Mushrooms vary in size from very large to very small.

Small Mushrooms

They come in a variety of shapes...twisted, caps, jelly-like, blobs, birds' nests etc.

[This message was edited by Inda on Saturday July 19th, 2003 at 08:03 AM.]

This is really artistic

Surface texture varies from smooth, scaly, rough, waxy to wrinkly.

There are wonderful structural designs...frills, cathedral ceilings, sponges, mazes of teeth and many elements inbetween.

Fragrance varies from the scent of lilacs, geraniums or chemicals like iodine, chlorine, methanol etc. Some smell like fruit, various herbs, fish , bread etc.

[This message was edited by Inda on Saturday July 19th, 2003 at 08:44 AM.]

For those who like to eat mushrooms the taste varies from bland, sweet, spicy, peppery, woody to meaty and many more.

And finally, in fairy tales, mushrooms are used as homes for the little people

Hi,
Say, what a wonderful display of the mushroom
family. I fell in love with the frilly
mushroom. Also, the little people flat top -- I
think I saw one peeking around some grass or
maybe they are just dancing about.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
Joy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~Barbara

Only the pure in heart shall see God.

Thank you for
presenting us
to the world of
mushrooms.....

Make me think of
fall coming after
summer though..


And all kind of fungi
inhabiting us as well
How we all are inmersed
in this world of micro-
organisms as well and
interdependent by all
kind of creatures we
might not be aware of

Amazing to see and fall
for the beauty of their
structure

Wishing you an inspiring
convalacense after your
foot surgery

Love,

Lilie

Thank you Barbara and Lilie.
My foot is fine. I am recovering well.
Thank you for your good wishes.

It is amazing what beauty there is in nature that we often don't really see and take for granted.

Love to you both,
Inda

Oh My!
Where did you find all these?
Did you go for a walk in the woods with the little people?
They are magic indeed, and I like to eat them!

Thank you.
Gisele

Thanks Inda...i feel like a "hobbit" in here...hahahahhaah when i see all these mushrooms.

Love,
Sylvie

Here some dear mushroomchildren from my childhood...

Lilie

Isn't it amazing how each is special and everything has its purpose ! thank you for sharing the mushrooms! love, Carolyn