Mushroom anatomy is a great science activity for students of any age! Try dissecting a mushroom at home, such as a portabella mushroom or shiitake, and identifying these parts! Continue reading to learn about the main parts of a mushroom, or skip to the bottom to download some mushroom anatomy diagrams!
1. Cap
The top portion of the fruiting body of a mushroom, which provides a protective covering.
2. Gills
The gills are located on the underside of the cap. The spores are released from the gills.
3. Stipe
The stipe is the main supportive stalk of the fruiting body of the mushroom.
4. Annulus
The annulus is located around the stipe of some mushroom, below the gills in some mushrooms. The annulus is the remains of a protective veil that once covered the gills. When it is time to release the spores, the veil breaks away from the gills.
5. Volva
The volva is a cup-like structure at the base of the fruiting body of a mushroom, above the mycelium in some mushrooms. It is also made of remnants of a veil.
6. Mycelium
There is a lot more to a mushroom than what meets the eye! The mycelium is a network of underground filaments, below the fruiting body. A single filament is called a hyphae. Some of a mycelium’s functions are similar to the functions of a plant’s roots. The mycelium helps anchor the mushroom in the soil. However, mycelia do much more than that! They break down and digest organic matter in the soil, which feeds the mushroom. They also connect mushrooms to one another underground.
Free Mushroom Anatomy Diagrams:
I created these mushroom diagrams in the early days of Wild Earth Lab, and now I’d like to gift them to you and your classroom as a little thank you for your support! They feature my colored pencil illustrations and they are free to download. 🙂
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