Fun Fungal Facts

Did you know?

• Most fungi are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye.
• Fungi are more closely related to animals than to plants and are in their own kingdom.
• Moulds, yeasts, mushrooms, stinkhorns, puffballs and truffles are all fungi.
• Fungi are used in the production of bread, beer, wine, soy sauce and some cheeses.
• The anti-rejection drug used in organ transplant, Cyclosporine, is produced by a fungus.
• Fungi are most important for decay and recycling of plant matter.
• The worst plant diseases, like root rot and butt rot, are caused by microscopic fungi in the soil.
• Many devastating tree diseases aren’t present in Australia, so we have strict quarantine laws to prevent their entry.
• Using ‘friendly’ fungi to fight disease-causing fungi can reduce the need for chemical treatments.