Karioi’s Fabulous Fungi
Did you know that Aotearoa is home to a tremendous 7,300 reported species of fungi, with experts estimating that there could be another 15,000 species still waiting to be discovered? What about the fact that fungi are more closely related to animals than they are to plants?!
Click on any of these images for more fun facts. Each one of them was taken on Karioi, home to a diverse range of these fascinating fungi, from the beauties to the beasts.
Throughout autumn, while out trapping, track cutting or filling bait stations, Karioi ranger and volunteer teams have been busy spotting plenty of these fungi, capturing some amazing photos along the way.
Unlike plants, fungi don't create their own food through photosynthesis. Instead, they obtain their nutrients by breaking down surrounding materials like plant roots, leaves, wood, or soil nutrients. Some fungi feed on living plants, whether the host plant likes it – symbiotically - or not - parasitically. Other fungi (the saprotrophic ones) consume dead and decaying vegetation. They play a crucial role in many fundamental ecosystem processes. In particular, many fungi are essential for breaking down leaves and other decaying matter, which becomes a valuable resource for other organisms.
Fungi form a cobweb-like network called the mycelium, consisting of numerous fine threads known as hyphae, which spread through the soil or wood in search of nourishment. Some of these networks spread extensively - as large as hundreds of hectares. Others remain relatively small - naked to the human eye. The bulk of the fungus is made up of mycelium, while the photogenic mushrooms popping up above ground serve as its way of producing offspring.
Biodiversity isn’t just about plants and animals, but fungi too! These fun guys are the hidden yet powerful underground team supporting native trees- they break down organic matter and release carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus into the soil and the atmosphere. The wide range of fungi on Karioi is a great thing.
