Mycelium (Gr. Mikos — Mushroom)

Mycelium (from the Greek "mikos" - mushroom) is a branching network of hyphae, which is the main vegetative body of the fungus. Mycelium consists of many fine threads that thread through soil, wood, leaves and other organic materials. As the mycelium grows, it absorbs nutrients from the environment, especially the soil.

Mycelium can have different forms, depending on the type of mushroom. It can be white, brown, black or green. Mycelium can be microscopic or can reach enormous sizes. For example, the mycelium of the fungus Armillaria ostoyae, found in the USA, extends over an area of ​​more than 900 hectares and is considered the largest organism on the planet.

Mycelium is essential to life in forests and other ecosystems, where it serves as the primary decomposer of organic material. It also plays an important role in symbiosis with plants, forming mycorrhiza, a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and plant roots. In this regard, the mycelium helps plants absorb water and nutrients from the soil, and in return receives carbohydrates from them.

Mycelium is also used in the food and medical industries. For example, shiitake mushroom mycelium is used as a dietary supplement and has many beneficial properties for the human body. Mycelium also contains biologically active substances that can be used in medicine to treat various diseases, including cancer.

In conclusion, mycelium is an important element of the ecosystem and has many beneficial properties for humans. Its role in nature and potential in the food and medical industries make it an area of ​​interest for further research and development.