Luminous mushrooms, photos of which are in this article, are few in nature and are found infrequently in nature. Many types of plant “lanterns” are known. All of them are distinguished by the power of the emitted light and colors. The luminous mushroom terrarium has even become one of the most famous in computer games. Is there really it in nature - no information.
Why do mushrooms glow?
Luminous mushrooms are a manifestation of the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence. It appears in some living organisms. Mushrooms glowing in the dark were also discovered. Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction accompanied by the release of radiant energy. A cold glow appears, which got its name for the insignificant heat generation during the manifestation of the phenomenon.
It is a consequence of a chemical reaction in which oxygen and luciferin (a light-emitting biological pigment) are involved. The reaction occurs in the tissues of the 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 russula and mushrooms may glow. The phenomenon arises from the small microorganisms living in them. Their bodies emit phosphoric light, and the sensation is that it comes from a fungus.
Where do luminous mushrooms grow?
Mushrooms glowing in the dark number 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 luminous mushrooms grow in Japan - 10 species. In Brazil and South America, 8 more varieties were found. Luminous mushrooms are found in Puerto Rico, Malaysia and other places around the world.
What parts of the mushrooms glow?
These amazing organisms belong to different families. Mushrooms can glow completely or in parts. For some, only the bottom surface of the cap. They are mainly found in tropical, hot countries and southern Europe. Other fungi glow with vegetative organs that serve to nourish. Such species are most often found in the middle lane.
Where can I see luminous mushrooms?
For example, Armillaria mellea Vahl fungi have light or dark filaments (rhizomorphs) in the mycelium. They penetrate the tree trunk and contribute to its destruction. Rhizomorphs glow in the dark, and from the side it seems that the radiance comes from a tree. Such a phenomenon is most often observed on already rotten trunks.
The luminous Xylaria Hypoxylon L mushrooms have club-shaped fruits that branch like deer horns. Most often they grow in beech stumps. In fungi, only mycelia glow. The same effect is observed in another species - X. polymorpa Pers.
Most often, the fruits glow in the mushrooms. For example, one of the most famous is Pleurotus (Agaricus) olearius DC. They grow in southern Europe, under old trees. The mushrooms are very large, stand on a thick stalk, but have a small yellowish-golden hat. These species glow completely, even the top surface of the cap.
Another interesting view is Pl. Gardneri Berk, native to Brazil. These mushrooms are 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.
Luminosity
In the species Pleurotus (Agaricus) olearius DC, luminescence is observed only in living fungi. The phenomenon intensifies until they are fully ripe. Then the glow subsides. But if you cut this mushroom , then even the pieces will emit light for a long time.
The power of its emission is different. The intensity of the glow varies depending on the type of fungus. But even one and the same may vary due to different lengths of the life cycle. Some mushrooms glow so strongly 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. Glowing rotten spots are visible from afar. The intensity of radiation depends on age. Old mushrooms or those at rest are no longer glowing. This phenomenon is only living organisms.
The intensity of the glow can also depend on temperature. For example, honey mushrooms begin to radiate only in the interval from 4 to 50 degrees. For some mushrooms, the temperature should not exceed 10, while others require from 50 degrees and above. The amount of oxygen is also important for the glow. With its deficiency, the flickering of mushrooms will be weaker, in boiled water it will stop altogether.
Glow colors
Luminous mushrooms can emit light in a different color range. Most often, yellowish-greenish radiation is found. Such mushrooms grow in Jamaica, Japan, Belize and several other countries. A faint glow can be seen in the daytime, if there is no sun. But best of all, radiance is observed in the dark. Color variations can be very different. Some mushrooms attract a gentle blue glow, others - bright red. There are many yellow and green shades.
Why do mushrooms glow?
There are several opinions on why the mushroom glows. Some researchers argue that this phenomenon occurs at the time of its nutrition. A chemical reaction occurs, as a result of which a glow begins. According to another version, mushrooms glow to attract animals, which then spread spores of mushrooms on their skin, legs and feet. This is a common method of propagation of some plants.
Some luminous mushrooms thus warn of danger, scaring away those who wish to feast on them. But sometimes this is a false protective reaction of mushrooms. They may well be edible. Sometimes the mushrooms themselves can be in the role of predators, luring insects to themselves with light, and then eating them.