Why are mushrooms usually found in circles?
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http://www.earthsky.org/faq/have-you-seen-mushrooms-growing-in-circles?q=printme
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Mushrooms are often found in circles, a phenomenon known as fairy rings or fairy circles. This circular pattern occurs due to the underground growth of mushroom mycelium, which is the vegetative part of the fungus. Here's an explanation of why mushrooms tend to grow in circles:
1. Mycelium growth: Mushrooms have a unique way of growing. The visible part of the mushroom is actually the fruiting body, while the main organism lies beneath the ground. The mycelium, which consists of thread-like structures, spreads underground as it searches for nutrients and decomposes organic matter.
2. Nutrient availability: As the mycelium expands outward, it consumes organic material in the soil, breaking it down and obtaining nutrients. Over time, this nutrient depletion occurs more significantly in the center of the growing mycelium.
3. Fruiting pattern: When the mycelium reaches a certain age or encounters favorable conditions, it produces fruiting bodies (mushrooms) above the ground. However, since the center of the mycelium is depleted of nutrients, it inhibits the growth of mushrooms in that area. Instead, the periphery of the mycelium, where nutrients are still available, becomes the ideal location for the mushrooms to grow.
4. Expansion and confinement: As the mycelium continues to grow outward, it leaves behind a ring of depleted soil in the center. This ring functions as a physical barrier that confines the mushrooms' growth within a circular pattern. The mycelium continues to expand outward, creating larger circles over time.
It's worth noting that there are other factors involved in the formation of fairy rings, such as soil composition, root systems, and varying moisture levels. Nevertheless, the circular pattern of mushroom growth primarily stems from the expansion and nutrient depletion of the mycelium.