Glowing mushrooms: description and photo

Glowing mushrooms, photos of which are in this article, in nature in relation to its diversity are few and rare. There are many kinds of plant "flashlights". All of them differ in the intensity of the light emitted and in the colors. The glowing mushroom of the terrarium even became one of the most famous in computer games. Is it really in nature - there is no information.

Why do mushrooms shine?

Luminous fungi are a manifestation of the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence. It manifests itself in some living organisms. Luminous mushrooms were found in the dark. Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction accompanied by the release of radiant energy. There is a cold glow, received its name for a slight heat release during the manifestation of the phenomenon.

It is a consequence of a chemical reaction involving oxygen and luciferin (light-emitting biological pigment). The reaction takes place in the tissues of fungi, when they absorb oxygen. As a result, the tissues begin to glow. But there is another reason for this phenomenon.

For example, ordinary rotten or old russules and mushrooms can shine. The phenomenon arises from the microorganisms living in them. Their bodies emit phosphorous light, and a feeling that it comes from the fungus.

Where grow luminous mushrooms?

Mushrooms, glowing in the dark, From 68 to 71 species. More than half of them belong to the genus Mycena. They exist due to the decomposition of organic substances. Most of these glowing mushrooms grow in Japan - 10 species. In Brazil and South America, another 8 species are found. Glowing mushrooms are found in Puerto Rico, Malaysia and other places around the world.

Which parts of the mushrooms shine?

These amazing organisms belong to different families. Mushrooms can glow completely or in parts. Some have only the bottom surface of the cap. Mostly they are found in tropical, hot countries and Southern Europe. Other fungi have vegetative organs that serve to nourish. Such species are most often found in the middle lane.

Where can you see luminous mushrooms?

For example, the fungi Armillaria mellea Vahl have light or dark threads (rhizomorphs) in the mycelium. They permeate the tree trunk and contribute to its destruction. The rhizomorphs glow in the dark, and from the side it seems that the radiance comes from the tree. This phenomenon is most often observed on already rotten trunks.

Luminous mushrooms Xylaria Hypoxylon L have clavate fruit that branch like a hart antlers. Most often they grow in beech stumps. Only mycelia glow in the fungi. The same effect is observed in another species - X. polymorpa Pers.

Most often, the fungi glow fruits. For example, one of the most famous is Pleurotus (Agaricus) olearius DC. They grow in southern Europe, under old trees. Mushrooms are very large, stand on a thick stalk, but they have a small yellowish-golden bonnet. These species glow completely, even the upper surface of the cap.

Another interesting view is Pl. Gardneri Berk, native to Brazil. These fungi are found on dead palm leaves. Children of local natives often use luminous pieces of such mushrooms in the evenings instead of toys. Some species grow on the trunks of healthy trees.

Glow Power

In the species Pleurotus (Agaricus) olearius DC, glow is observed only in living fungi. The phenomenon is intensified until they are completely ripe. Then the glow subsides. But if this mushroom is cut, even the pieces will emit light for a long time.

The power of its emission is different. The intensity of glow varies depending on the type of fungus. But even the same can vary due to the different length of the life cycle. Some mushrooms shine so much that they can be used instead of a light bulb and even read next to them.

Other species become noticeable only if you approach them at a distance of 20 meters. The glowing lights are visible from afar. The strength of radiation directly depends on age. Old mushrooms or those in rest are no longer shining. This phenomenon has only living organisms.

The intensity of the glow can also depend on the temperature. For example, honey mushrooms begin to radiate only in the interval from 4 to 50 degrees. For some fungi, the temperature should not exceed 10, while others require 50 degrees or more. Glow is important, and the amount of oxygen. With its lack, the flicker of fungi will be weaker, in boiled water it will stop altogether.

Glow Colors

Glowing mushrooms can emit light in a different color range. Most often yellowish-greenish radiation occurs. Such fungi grow in Jamaica, in Japan, Belize and a number of other countries. A weak glow can be seen in the daytime, if there is no sun. But the best shine is observed in the dark. Variations in color can be very different. Some mushrooms attract a gentle blue glow, others - bright red. There are many yellow and green hues.

Why do mushrooms shine?

There are several opinions about why the mushroom is shining. Some researchers claim that this phenomenon occurs at the time of its nutrition. There is a chemical reaction, which results in a glow. According to another version, the mushrooms shine to attract animals, which then spread on their skin, legs and paws mushroom spores. This is a common method of reproduction and some plants.

Some glowing mushrooms thus warn of danger, frightening off those who wish to regale. But sometimes this is a false defense of fungi. They may well be edible. Sometimes mushrooms can be in the role of predators, beckoning insects to themselves with light, and then eating them.