Mushroom spores: what is it, how the stench multiplies and their stagnation

One of the interesting products in our store's assortment is Mushroom Spores , and since there is a frequent misunderstanding of what "Spores" are and what "Fruiting bodies" (mature mushrooms) are, we decided to explain this in detail in our next article.

If you've ever picked mushrooms in the woods, you might notice what looks like a thin haze rising from the mushroom's cap when you bend over. This isn't actually smoke, but millions of microscopic spores—tiny cells that allow mushrooms to reproduce. Spores play a key role in the development of mushrooms, much like seeds play a key role in plant growth.

How do disputes arise?

After the mushroom matures, its plates, tubes or teeth under the cap begin to produce spores in large quantities - from millions to billions. The cap of the mushroom serves as a kind of shelter, protecting them from external influences such as rain and sun. As soon as the right moment comes, the spores are separated and carried by wind, insects, animals or raindrops to a new place.

If the spore finds itself in favorable conditions – sufficient moisture, warmth, and organic matter (such as rotted wood or organic-rich soil) – it germinates, forming mycelium. Mycelium is the underground part of the fungus, which looks like a network of thin threads and serves to absorb nutrients. It is from it that a new fertile fungus grows in the future.

Once a mushroom releases its spores, it usually dies, completing its life cycle. Thus, the spread of spores is both the beginning of a new life and the end of the mushroom's existence.

Where are mushroom spores found?

Spores are formed on the lower part of the mushroom cap – in special structures:

• Plates (under the cap of the mushroom. For example, in champignons, fly agarics, Psilocybe cubensis, Panaeolus)
• Tubes (in boletus, butter mushrooms)
• Teeth (in Heria, serrated mushrooms)

When the spores mature, they break off and are carried away by the wind. They are so small that they can travel long distances before settling on a surface.

Which mushrooms have spores?

All sexually reproducing fungi have spores. The most well-known species include:

• Edible mushrooms: champignons, boletus, birch boletus, chanterelles, wrinkled mushrooms.
• Medicinal mushrooms: Hericium (Lion's Mane), Chaga, Variegated Tinder Fungus.
• Psychoactive mushrooms: Psilocybe cubensis, Panaleus cyanescens, Psilocybe semilacetata and others. The spores of these mushrooms do not contain psychoactive substances and are legal in Ukraine (but only the spores, the fruiting bodies are prohibited because they produce a substance prohibited by law - Psilocybin).

Each of these mushrooms has its own unique mechanism of spore dissemination and growing characteristics.

Spore prints: what are they and why are they needed?

Researchers, mycologists, and even artists use mushroom spores for a variety of purposes, from cultivation to decorative paintings. One of the most popular methods of collecting spores is spore reflection.

How to make a spore print?

1. Select a mature mushroom (preferably an edible or medicinal variety).
2. Separate the mushroom cap from the stem, keeping it clean.
3. Place the hat upside down on white or black paper, glass or foil.
4. Cover the mushroom with a glass or container to prevent the spores from spreading through the air.
5. After 6-12 hours, a spore print forms under the mushroom cap – a unique pattern similar to a fingerprint.

Scientists use these prints to identify mushroom species, as spores come in a variety of colors, from white and black to reddish-brown or purple. The prints can also be used to obtain spores for further mushroom cultivation.

Or legal mushroom spores in Ukraine?

The legality of mushroom spores in Ukraine depends on the type of mushroom:

• Spores of edible and medicinal mushrooms (shiitake, hericium, tinder fungi, champignons) are completely legal , they can be freely grown and researched .
• Psilocybin mushroom spores do not contain psychoactive substances, so they are not controlled under Ukrainian law. However, their use for cultivating psilocybin-containing mushrooms is illegal .
• Exploring spores without growing mushrooms is legal , but if your activities involve cultivating or obtaining fruiting bodies, you must familiarize yourself with current legislation and obtain the appropriate permits.

Conclusion

Mushroom spores are the main way mushrooms reproduce and play an important role in the natural life cycle of mushrooms. In Ukraine, cultivation of edible and medicinal mushrooms is permitted, but psilocybin mushrooms are strictly prohibited. If you are interested in mushrooms, it is recommended to delve into mycology and use only legal research and cultivation methods.