The Mushroom Life Cycle: Understanding the Difference Between Mycelium and Fruiting Bodies

Diving into the mushroom life cycle is a journey from the microscopic to the enormous, from beneath the forest floor to high in the air. These intriguing and unique organisms have a lifecycle that is just as interesting as they are.

In this post, we will break down the fungal lifecycle step by step, highlighting the process by which tiny spores become the iconic mushroom we recognize, and all the others you may not be familiar with.

Ready to peel back the layers on the mushroom lie cycle? Let’s take a look at the basics of mushroom biology, mycelium, fruiting bodies, and all the rest.

Starting Point – Spores

While not all fungi reproduce via spores, it is a common and widely observed method of reproduction in the fungal kingdom. The mushrooms we recognize are called fruiting bodies, and are where the spores are created and dispersed from.

Taking the form of millions of microscopic particles, spores contain the genetic “blueprint” material of the entire fungal organism they originate from. These spores, when released by the mushroom fruiting body, can be dispersed by wind, water, animals, or even launched through the air, like the Ballistic Cup Fungi.

Fungi are resilient and tenacious survivors, and there are fungi that can fit in so many niches and environments around the world. Once dispersed, spores can remain dormant for months or even years, as they wait for optimal conditions to arise.

Germination

Once activated, either my moisture, temperature, availability of certain nutrients, or other factors, spores begin the process of germination, similar to the seeds of a plant. Usually, hydration is a key factor for most fungal forms, as the moisture is absorbed and ‘swells’ the spore.

Once germinated, the spore begins to sprout a thin structure called a germ tube. This germ tube is what grows and develops into hyphae, the thin thread-like strands that form the fungi’s “roots” or feeding network.

Mycelium Growth

As the hyphae spread out in search of nutrients, they form a branching network called mycelium. This web spreads through the soil or other growing medium, where it breaks down and absorbs organic matter. Mycelium is a vital component of many of Earth’s ecosystems, as it releases and cycles many critical nutrients.

As the mycelium grows, it more fully colonizes its surroundings. The mycelium can begin to overlap and even become visible to the naked eye. If you’ve ever uncoverd what looks like a spiderweb or white fuzz  in the ground of your garden, or on a hike, you’ve found some mycelium.

In nature, this mycelium can spread for either very short distances, or possibly for miles. The decomposition it creates is essential for nourishing the fungi, as well as many other forms of life in the soil and larger surrounding area.
Research has shown that mycelium of many edible mushroom varieties may have benefits for human well-being. However, it is important that the mycelium be grown as close to what is found in nature as possible. WholeSun Wellness takes pride in our Pure Mycelium™, which is grown in a nutrient-rich liquid culture, not on grain.

Fruiting Body Formation

When mycelium has gathered sufficient energy and nutrients, signals are sent to create a new fruiting body, or mushroom, to start the life cycle over again. This can happen either sexually (with a mate) or asexually (without a mate or other fungi). The mycelium switch to funneling nutrients into the fruiting body, which is why fruiting bodies are the most concentrated source of active compounds, and why they are the most prized for supplementation products.

As the fruiting body develops, it grows and becomes more complex. The full range of active compounds develop as it takes in the nutrients from the mycelium, which is why it is critical that the mushrooms are grown in their native hardwoods. When mushrooms are grown on grain, or on another inferior substrate, they’re not able to develop their full benefit profile.

Spore Release – The Cycle Continues

Finally, the fruiting body becomes fully mature, and begins its primary purpose—spreading spores to continue the life cycle of the fungi. Usually, this involves the mushroom “cap” opening up, and releasing spores onto the surrounding surface, or scattering them to find a new home.

Better Standards Throughout the Cycle

As you can see, fungi have an interesting and complex lifecycle. We believe that they should be grown and cultivated as close to nature as possible, which is why we take extra steps to ensure higher quality at every stage. From our Pure Mycelium™ mycelium cultivation, we grow our mushrooms organically, and only on their native hardwood sources. And in harvesting to processing, we respect and honor every stage of the mushroom life cycle. To take a look at our full lineup of fruiting body and mycelium products, just head to our shop page.