Fungi Kingdom

The fungi kingdom is known for its mushrooms but most types of fungi are microscopic. The microscopic forms such as moulds become visible only when hundreds of thousands of individuals are seen spoiling a piece of fruit. Other examples of fungi are yeast (which makes bread rise), lichens, and Penicillium chrysogenum which is the fungus responsible for making penicillin.

Mushroom  Phylum:
The cep or penny bun

A photograph of ceps The cep is an edible mushroom.

This is an edible mushroom. The cap and the stem are the parts which produce the spores. Underground threads of the mushroom spread out through the soil. The mushroom decomposes dead leaves and it grows very well in forests of pine and larch and where there is heather.

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© Paul Billiet, Shirley Burchill, Alan Damon and Deborah James 2008