22 Fungi, the Forgotten Kingdom
Episode description
“All mushrooms are edible – at least once,” quips environmental scientist and mushroom expert Mike Essam, president of the Pikes Peak Mycological Society. Mike shared the wonders of fungi in this very popular talk at the March 22 luncheon of the Pikes Peak Environmental Forum. The photographs Mike showed are a key part of the presentation, so it’s recommended you view the slides (see the links below) while listening.
The mushroom is just the fruit of the mycelium fungus. Most of it is in the soil or in a log or tree. Did you know there can be as much as six miles of mycelium filaments in a cubic inch of soil? There are mushrooms that are poisonous, mushrooms with medicinal properties, mushrooms that are very tasty, and some are, well, “magic.” Mike explains how they are identified.
The Pikes Peak Environmental Forum informs the community in Colorado Springs on issues of environmental import. Our monthly luncheon meeting topics have ranged from how earthquakes can predict weather events to sustainable energy solutions. Each month we learn something we weren’t necessarily aware we needed to know, but in broadening our knowledge, we deepen our understanding of, and our connection to, the world. Learn about future luncheons at our Facebook page, or contact us to be put on the email list for meeting notifications.
PPEF presenting sponsors are Becky Elder the Gardener and Peak Radar.
LINKS:
Join Pikes Peak Mycological Society. It's inexpensive and you get hands-on help!
The Fungal Pharmacy by Robert Rogers
Radical Mycology by Peter McCoy
Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation by Tradd Cotter
Edible Mushroom Hunt class at The Survival University
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