Broderick AdamsWelcome or welcome back to the Emory Market Gardens blog! Today we're venturing into the fascinating and largely unexplored realm of mycology – the study of fungi – and particularly the mushroom kingdom, where what we know is dramatically overshadowed by what remains to be discovered.
The Known vs. Unknown: A Staggering Gap
The numbers are truly humbling. Scientists have formally identified and described approximately 120,000 species of fungi worldwide, with roughly 14,000 of these being mushrooms – the fruiting bodies of certain fungi that we can see above ground. However, mycologists estimate that the actual number of fungal species on Earth ranges between 2.2 to 3.8 million. This means we've identified less than 5% of all fungal species that exist!
Many notable mycologists including Dr. Tom Bruns, Professor of Plant and Microbial Biology at UC Berkeley, have emphasized how understudied the mushroom kingdom is despite how important fungi are to our world's ecosystems.
Research Funding: The Overlooked Kingdom
Despite fungi constituting one of life's major kingdoms – alongside plants and animals – mycology receives disproportionately little funding and attention in the scientific community. The situation is particularly stark when compared to botanical or zoological research.
According to Paul Stamets, renowned mycologist and author, “Mycologists are few and far between. We are under-funded, poorly represented in the context of other sciences - ironic, as the very foundation of our ecosystems are directly dependent upon fungi, which ultimately create the foundation of soils.”
This funding disparity means that a relatively small community of dedicated researchers is working to understand an enormous biological kingdom that plays critical ecological roles and holds tremendous potential for human applications.
The Medicinal Frontier: What Treasures Await Discovery?
One of the most compelling arguments for increased mycological research is the potential for discovering new medicinal compounds. We already know that many mushrooms contain powerful bioactive substances:
- Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) shows promise for neurological health
- Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) contains compounds being studied for immune support
- Cordyceps species have been investigated for various health applications
These examples come from just a tiny fraction of known species. What about the other 95% of fungi we haven't even identified yet?
It's highly probable that numerous fungal species contain novel compounds with significant medicinal properties – potential antibiotics, anti-cancer agents, immune modulators, and more – that remain completely unknown to science. Even among identified species, only a small percentage have been thoroughly studied for their bioactive compounds.
Citizen Science: How You Can Contribute to Mycological Discovery
The good news is that you don't need a Ph.D. to contribute meaningfully to mycological research. Citizen scientists play an increasingly important role in documenting fungal diversity and distribution.
Here are some ways to get involved:
Join Local Mycological Societies
These organizations offer guided forays, identification workshops, and community with fellow mushroom enthusiasts. Many collaborate with research institutions on citizen science projects.
- North Texas Mycological Society - We are proud members of our regional mycological society (https://www.northtexasmycology.org/)
- North American Mycological Association (NAMA) - Connects regional clubs across the continent (https://namyco.org/)
- Local groups like the Puget Sound Mycological Society, New York Mycological Society, and hundreds more
Contribute to Digital Platforms
Several online platforms allow you to document your mushroom findings and contribute to global databases:
- iNaturalist - A user-friendly app that helps identify species and shares data with scientific databases
- Mushroom Observer - A site dedicated specifically to fungi, where identifications are vetted by experienced mycologists
Support Fungaria and Herbaria
These collections preserve fungal specimens for research. Many accept properly documented specimens from citizen collectors, and some offer volunteer opportunities:
- The New York Botanical Garden Fungarium/Herbarium
- The Field Museum's Mycology Collection
- Many university herbaria also maintain fungal collections
Looking Forward: The Importance of Mycological Education
Increased awareness and education about fungi are essential for advancing our understanding of this critical kingdom. Even basic fungal literacy – learning to identify common species in your area – can lead to important contributions.
Remember that every observation matters. A photograph of an unusual mushroom in your local park could potentially document a species range extension, a new habitat association, or even a species new to science.
At Emory Market Gardens, we believe in the power of community-driven mycology. By cultivating interest in fungi through education and providing quality growing supplies, we hope to inspire the next generation of mycophiles who will continue to unveil the secrets of the mushroom kingdom.
What Would You Like to Learn Next?
We're passionate about all things fungal! What topics would you like us to cover in future blog posts? Medicinal mushroom profiles? Cultivation techniques? The latest in mycological research?
Let us know by reaching out on our social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/emorymarketgardens
Instagram: instagram.com/emorymarketgardens
Happy exploring from all of us at Emory Market Gardens!
