The Magic of Mushrooms
Bioluminescence
Today, let's talk about another typical 'magic' of some mushroom species.
Let's talk about bioluminescence.
To date, there are about 75 species that are able to produce light and glow in the dark, generally emitting a green light (510-520 nm) and belonging to 9 genera in the order of Basidiomycetes.
Luminous species mostly belong to the genera Mycena, Armillaria, Pleurotus, Omphalotus, and Panellus, all fungi that grow on decomposing trunks and leaves.
In the Mycena genus, bioluminescence is visible to the naked eye, only in specimens that are born and grow in the damp tropical and temperate forests around the globe.
The Atlantic forest region, according to National Geographic, which extends between Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, is characterized by the highest concentration of bioluminescent fungi species in the world.
Photograph by:
By self - Own worklalalfdfa,
CC BY-SA 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3967070
Scientists investigating the evolutionary advantage of these species have put forward many hypotheses, among which: attracting insect predators that could feed on the fungus itself, attracting insects that could carry the spores to different areas from where the fungus is present, or as a warning to animals (such as carnivores and herbivores) that could use the fungus as food.
The phenomenon of bioluminescence in fungi had already been described by Aristotle (384-322 BC) and by Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD).
This particular characteristic has certainly helped create the mysterious aura that has always surrounded fungi.
To delve deeper into the topic and to view additional photos I recommend:
http://www.mondofungo.it/Funghi_spontanei/Pagine/Funghi_luminescenti.html
https://www.focus.it/ambiente/natura/come-fanno-i-funghi-a-brillare-al-buio
