A meal prepared on the outside
Vive Cabeceiras · General biology · alimentação dos fungos

Fungi do not need a mouth to obtain food.

A fungus does not need to swallow a leaf to use its nutrients. The mycelium releases enzymes outside itself; these break organic matter into simpler compounds, which the hyphae then absorb.

The network of threads also grows and branches. Connections between hyphae allow nutrients to travel to other parts of the mycelium. Something that seems motionless may therefore be exploring new spaces and redistributing resources without a mushroom appearing on the surface.

Growth also follows the distribution of food. The Australian National Botanic Gardens describe more branching and slower advance in nutrient-rich areas; where nutrients are scarce, hyphae may lengthen faster and branch less. The network does not always need the same density.

Some fungi form cords of hyphae called rhizomorphs. These can help cross gaps between food sources, such as two separate pieces of wood. On reaching fresh wood, the hyphae may branch and occupy it. This explains growth strategies, not a confirmed description of any thread found on a walk.

Sources and context
Australian National Botanic Gardens / Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research — The mycelium
https://cpbr.gov.au/fungi/mycelium.html
Accessed: 2026-11-07

Editorial summary. The date of consultation is not the date of the facts.
Text and recipe, when available. Photos, activities and updates on the page:
https://vivecabeceiras.pt/en/descobrir/terra-viva/?leitura=fungos-digestao#fungos-digestao