As if by magic, overnight, tucked neatly beneath a cap of mulch, or peaking deftly between blades of grass, mushrooms appear in all shapes, sizes and colors imaginable. What we observe — recognized as mushrooms — are the reproductive spore-producing structures of a larger complex fungal organism called mycelium. All fungi exist either beneficially, as primary or secondary decomposers, by devouring that which has already perished, or saprophytically (obtain nutrients through organic decay) by consuming living matter. Some are responsible for vast improvements in soil health, plant health and nutrient cycling in natural and disturbed environments.
