One
of the reasons many are interested in how to grow mushrooms is
because they are beautiful, architectural organisms. Growing them is
as satisfying as growing a pot of flowers; sometimes more so if you
get to eat what was grown in the end! Here is a small look into some
lovelier varieties and if you can grow them for yourself!
1. Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria)
This
breathtaking red mushroom is what many think about when they think of
mushrooms, as it is featured in many childhood fairytales. The one
picture above is in its starting phases, but still features the
distinguishing red hue and textured white spots. The Fly Agaric
is a toxic mushroom which has psychoactive features (meaning it will
cause hallucinations) and so it is a mushroom for admiring only. I
would love to plant in a pot for decorative purposes; unfortunately,
I have not been able to find the spawn, which I assume is because
this mushroom has hallucinogenic properties.
2. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
So-called
due to its resemblance to the birds back feathers, the Turkey Tail
boasts a rainbow of autumn colours in a stunning disc display. Not
just a pretty face, this mushroom has bioremediation potential as it
able to degrade a wide variety of pollutants. It is also used
in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-cancer medication, however
scientific evidence towards its efficacy is limited. Although
you are welcome to munch on this mushroom, it has a terrible taste,
and so it is not generally categorized as an edible mushroom.
Happily, can you can grow these at home, either in logs or in pots
for decorative purposes.
3. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Lion’s
Mane mushroom belongs to a the Hericium mushroom family,
composed of other similarly-looking hairy species. These lovely
mushrooms do indeed remind the onlooker of a Lion’s Mane, but for
me it looks like a christmas ornament. The mushrooms are edible and
delicious, with a chewy texture and a flavour reminiscent of lobster.
It is widely used in Chinese cuisine to replace meat. Lion’s
Mane is easily grown at home in sterilized sawdust. Post on this very
soon!
4. Bioluminescent Mushrooms (Mycena chlorophos)
In
the sun, these mushrooms are definitely nothing special. However,
turn the lights off, and these mushrooms are a real show. When these
mushrooms emerge during the rainy season in Japan and Brazil, they
will glow for up to 72 hours. The glow comes from the interaction of
natural chemicals within the mushroom. Truly a feast for the
eyes, however these mushrooms are inedible and very difficult to grow
even in laboratory conditions.
5. Red Coral Fungi (Ramaria araiospora)
Belonging
to a species of mushrooms that look like coral you’d find under the
sea, this pretty mushroom boasts a pink colour to make any girl (or
guy) smile. Lucky for the admirers, this mushroom is edible, with a
mild taste lending itself to a variety of flavourings. It does not
seem to be easily cultivated, unfortunately, so no how to grow
tutorials on this anytime soon!