A meal prepared outside
Fungi don't need a mouth to get food.
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A fungus does not need to ingest a leaf to take advantage of its nutrients. Mycelium releases enzymes to the outside; these decompose organic matter into simpler compounds, which are then absorbed by hyphae.
The web of filaments also grows and branches. The links between hyphae allow to transport nutrients to other areas of the mycelium. Thus, what seems immobile may be exploring new spaces and redistributing resources, without seeing a mushroom on the surface.
The way to grow also accompanies the distribution of food. The presentation of the Australian National Botanical Garden describes greater branching and slower advancement in nutrient-rich zones; where these run out, the hyphae can stretch faster and branch less. The network does not always need to have the same density.
Some fungi form hyphae strings, called rhizomorphs. These can help to cross spaces between food sources, such as two separate pieces of wood. When they reach new wood, the hyphae can branch and occupy it. It is an explanation of growth strategies, not a confirmed description for any filament found on a sidewalk.
A REFFECTION IN THREE PASSOS
It opens every step to follow the path of nutrients.
1 · Transform outside
The enzymes released by the fungus decompose organic matter into simpler compounds.
2 · Absorber by hyphae
The compounds cross the walls of the hyphae.
3 · Distribute over the network
The links between hyphae allow to lead nutrients to other areas of the mycelium.
Source and context
Accessed: . Editorial summary; the date of consultation is not the date of the facts.