A Guide to Understanding Basic Mushroom Anatomy

Mushroom anatomy is fascinating. Our fungal friends are known to have their own communication networks, and their DNA and cellular structure is similar to our own. Specific fungal receptors are also important to our immune health and longevity.

So what are mushrooms made of? Check out this guide to basic mushroom anatomy for more information.

Stems and Caps

These are the most prominent parts of mushrooms. When mushroom spores germinate seeds, they form a small mushroom under the ground that grows to full maturity during its fruiting phase. Comparable to plant seeds, spores are the reproductive units of the mushroom. At this point, the stem and cap make up the mushroom’s form. Then, during the maturation phase, the fungus forms its body.

Fungi stems and caps come in all forms of unique colors and patterns. For a few examples, you can check out lion’s mane and turkey tail mushrooms, each of which are unique in dramatically different ways.

The Mycelium

The mycelium is what’s introduced to the mushroom substrate. The mushroom substrate is a material in which the mycelium can grow. It’s the underground part of the mushroom that we seldom see. Fungi “communicate” using electrical impulses that travel throughout the mycelium network. The electrical impulses bear a striking similarity to human speech. The mycelium also breaks down and absorbs organic matter into nutrients that the mushroom can then absorb and use as nourishment.

The Gills

Mushroom gills are the part of the mushroom where the spores are produced and dispersed. Gills look unique to each mushroom, usually appearing as teeth or tubes on the underside of the mushroom cap. Some mushrooms, such as turkey tail, have pores instead. The gills are essential parts of the anatomy of a mushroom.

Mushroom anatomy is simple. By understanding the anatomy of a mushroom, you’ll better know what to look for when it’s time to grow them yourself.