There are many different types of mycelium, and they can vary in their appearance, growth patterns, and the types of fungi they belong to. Some common types of mycelium include:
White mycelium
This is the most common type of mycelium, and it’s typically associated with fungi that grow on wood, such as oyster mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms. White mycelium has a cottony or fibrous appearance, and it grows in dense, tangled masses.
Brown mycelium
This type of mycelium is typically associated with fungi that grow on soil, such as the mushrooms that grow in the forest floor. Brown mycelium has a more diffuse, less densely-packed appearance than white mycelium, and it can grow to cover large areas of soil.
Yellow mycelium
This type of mycelium is typically associated with fungi that grow on plant material, such as the honey fungus that infects trees. Yellow mycelium has a bright, lemon-yellow color, and it can grow in dense, tangled masses or in more diffuse, spreading patterns.
Black mycelium
This type of mycelium is typically associated with fungi that grow on animal dung, such as the dung fungus that decomposes cow manure. Black mycelium has a dark, almost soot-like appearance, and it grows in dense, tangled masses.
Each type of mycelium has its own unique characteristics, and these characteristics can vary depending on the specific fungus they belong to. For example, white mycelium can grow quickly and produce mushrooms in a matter of days, while brown mycelium can take weeks or even months to produce mushrooms. Yellow mycelium can be highly aggressive, spreading quickly and outcompeting other fungi for resources, while black mycelium can be more slow-growing and less competitive.
Overall, mycelium is a fascinating and diverse group of fungi, and it plays a vital role in many ecosystems.
