Saprotrophic Mushrooms and Other Types

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There are estimated to be as many as 10,000 species of mushrooms. Some mushrooms share similar traits such as saprotrophic mushrooms which live off decomposing matter.  These shared characteristics allow scientists to classify them in one of four categories.

The four main classifications are:-

• saprotrophic
• mycorrhizal
• parasitic
• endophytic

These classifications refer to the way in which the mushroom receives nutrients. Knowing about these groupings may help you to decide which type of mushroom(s) interest you the most.

Saprotrophic

Saprotrophs are decomposers that live off decomposing dead organisms. They are split into three groups: fungi, bacteria, and water mold. Ecologically they are important in helping to recycle nutrients and other substances.

This category of fungi includes many common edible mushrooms including morels, white button, and shiitake. Saprotrophic mushrooms grow on dead and decaying wood. They are able to break down plant matter and convert it into nutrients, and they accelerate the decomposition of their host in doing so. These fungi have a key role in breaking down plant matter, where most of the carbon in terrestrial ecosystems is to be found. The action of the fungi helps return much of this carbon to the atmosphere as CO₂. These mushrooms need water, oxygen, neutral or acidic soil, and cool temperatures.

There are two sub-categories of saprotrophic mushrooms: litter decomposers, and wood decay fungi. Litter decomposers break down plant matter and are often found scattered across the ground in the woods. White button mushrooms are an example of the several saprotrophic species which are litter decomposers. As their name implies, wood decay fungi break down the wood on trees. Shiitake mushrooms are an example of wood decay fungi. 

Mycorrhizal 

Mycorrhizal mushrooms have a symbiotic relationship with their host plant. This link between the two enables both the mushroom and the plant to gain from it. The mushroom receives some of the plant’s sugar. The mushroom provides the plant with water and protection against certain diseases. 

Out of the different sub-groups of mycorrhizal mushrooms, most are ectomycorrhizas. This group of mushrooms attach themselves to a plant’s root system. The mushrooms then grow through the soil thereby extending the root system. The mushroom and the plant can both draw on more nutrients in the soil. Truffles and chanterelles fall into this sub-group.

Parasitic 

For parasitic mushrooms, the relationship is one-way in the mushroom’s favor.  Cordyceps are a common example of parasitic fungi that grow on the backs of caterpillars and other insects replacing the host’s tissue with their own. Some Cordyceps are parasitic on other fungi.  Cordyceps are a grouping comprising around 400 species. They thrive in humid temperate and tropical forests.

Parasitic mushrooms take nutrients from the host; examples of other parasitic mushrooms are Chaga and Lion’s Mane which both happen to grow on tree bark. 

Eventually, parasitic fungi will kill their host. Some parasitic fungi will attach themselves to people and cause infections.

Endophytic 

Endophytes, like parasitic mushrooms, take over their host plant’s tissue. Endophytes do not harm the host and have a symbiotic relationship. They help the plant host obtain nutrients, water, and give protection from disease.

Not all of these species develop into mushrooms. Almost every plant has an endophytic fungal infection of some description.

Conclusion 

Of the myriad varieties of mushrooms, it’s likely that there will be some that will pique your interest. Knowledge of the different categories of mushrooms will give you an indication of which type you might be interested in eating and also, perhaps, in growing.

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