Oyster Mushroom
Art by Jackie Blurton
Nature Note by the late Dr. Roland Shook
Fungi play an interesting and vital role in nature. Because they lack pigment chlorophyll, they cannot convert solar energy into a usable form and therefore must rely on other sources of energy. Many fungi decompose various dead animals or plants and are known as saprophytes. Some parasitize living organisms, while others form a unique association with roots of higher plants, known as mycorrhizal associations.
The saprophytic fungi are usually specific to a certain type of dead organic matter, such as leaves, needles, logs, dung, etc. Mushrooms, the fruiting bodies of fungi, are usually found above ground and produce spores. Knowledge of what a fungus lives on is essential to successful mushroom hunting.
The Oyster Mushroom pictured here is always found on wood. No toxins have been reported from the genus to which this species belongs. Therefore, many species are edible. If you are interested in eating wild mushrooms, be sure of your identification. Better yet, go with someone who knows the mushrooms in this area and can serve as a local expert.
