Mushrooms are a type of fungus that have been consumed by humans for thousands of years. They are a popular ingredient in many cuisines and valued both for their culinary and medicinal properties. But just how many different types of mushrooms exist in the world?
Defining the term “mushroom”
The term “mushroom” refers to the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies that certain fungi produce. Mushrooms generate reproductive spores, allowing the fungus to spread. The rest of the fungus consists of a network of root-like filaments called hyphae, which usually grow hidden within a food source. So the mushroom is just the “tip of the iceberg” of the entire fungal organism.
Mushrooms fall under the fungal kingdom, under the phyla Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. They can vary enormously in shape, color and size. Common mushroom shapes include convex caps, flat caps, cups, balls and saddles. They range in size from tiny pinheads to giant species over 1 meter wide.
Estimating the total number of mushroom species
It’s challenging to give an exact figure for the total number of mushroom species globally. Scientists are still discovering new species every year, especially in biodiversity hotspots like tropical rainforests. Estimates range between 140,000 to over 1 million species worldwide.
According to a 2017 estimate, there are at least 144,000 scientifically documented mushroom species. However, only around 14,000 species have been identified. The number of undiscovered species is predicted to be extremely high.
Other estimates state there are at least 150,000 types of mushroom and potentially over 1 million. The vast majority have yet to be classified by mycologists (scientists who study fungi).
Major groups of mushrooms
While the total number is uncertain, mycologists have identified around 31,000 types of mushrooms and grouped them into various categories:
- Agarics: This is the largest group, making up about 30% of known mushroom species. Examples include the common button mushroom, shiitake and magic mushrooms.
- Boletes: Fleshy mushrooms with spongy pores on the underside rather than gills. Examples are porcini and king boletes.
- Polypores: Mushrooms that grow shelf-like brackets on trees. They have pores rather than gills. Examples are turkey tail and reishi.
- Puffballs: Round mushrooms that release spores when “puffed”. The giant puffball can reach over 1 meter wide.
- Morels: Honeycomb-shaped mushrooms prized for their unique flavor. They grow in the wild during spring.
- Chanterelles: Funnel or trumpet-shaped mushrooms, valued culinary ingredients. Examples are golden, white and black chanterelles.
- Truffles: Expensive underground fungi highly prized in haute cuisine. They grow near the roots of certain trees.
- Cup fungi: Shaped like cups, spheres or disks with the spores contained inside. Examples are scarlet elf cups and bird’s nest fungi.
- Coral fungi: Resemble underwater coral, with branching structures. Examples are crown coral fungus and purple fairy clubs.
Geographic distribution of mushroom diversity
Mushroom species are found across all continents and environments worldwide. However, some regions harbor far greater diversity than others:
- The tropical rainforests of South America, Africa and Asia are the most species-rich. Forests in Brazil and Borneo are thought to contain the highest diversity.
- Mexico contains over 700 edible mushroom species.
- China, Japan and the Korean Peninsula have at least 3600 described species.
- There are over 5000 mushroom species across Europe.
- The United States and Canada combined are home to over 10,000 species.
- Australia has around 2500-3000 species native to the continent.
In general, warm and humid climates provide ideal mushroom growing conditions. Another hotspot is temperate forests and grasslands, like those found across north-eastern North America.
Toxic and edible species
While many wild mushrooms are non-toxic, some contain deadly poisons and should never be eaten raw. Examples are the death cap, destroying angel and autumn skullcap.
On the other hand, a wide array of wild mushroom species are edible and considered choice delicacies. These include chanterelles, morels, puffballs, chicken of the woods and lots more. Always identify mushrooms accurately before consuming them.
Here’s a table summarizing some details on edible mushroom varieties:
| Mushroom | Description | Flavor and uses |
|---|---|---|
| Shiitake | Tan brown mushrooms with umbrella-shaped caps. Native to East Asia. | Savoury umami flavor. Used widely in Asian cuisine. |
| Oyster | Grayish mushrooms with caps in the shape of oyster shells. Grow in dense clusters on logs. | Mild sweet flavor. Popular in stir-fries and soups. |
| Porcini | Large, brown mushrooms with fat stems and small rounded caps. Found across the Northern Hemisphere. | Earthy, nutty flavor. Used in risottos, soups and pastas. |
| Chanterelle | Funnel or trumpet-shaped mushrooms with wavy caps. Yellow or orange in color. | Peppery, fruity notes. Used in omelets, sauces and soups. |
| Enoki | Long white mushrooms with very slim stems and tiny caps. Originally from East Asia. | Mild taste and crisp texture. Used in East Asian dishes. |
| White Button | Globe-shaped white mushrooms with closed caps. The most commonly eaten mushroom worldwide. | Subtle, mild flavor. Often sliced raw in salads or cooked. |
Cultivated mushroom varieties
As well as wild species, there are over 35 types of mushrooms that are commercially cultivated. The top five most produced globally are:
- Button mushrooms: 380 billion kg annually
- Oyster mushrooms: Over 1 million tonnes annually
- Shiitake mushrooms: 800,000 tonnes annually
- Wood ear mushrooms: Over 600,000 tonnes annually
- Enoki mushrooms: 140,000 tonnes annually
China produces about 75% of all cultivated mushrooms worldwide. Other top producing nations include the USA, Netherlands, Poland and India.
The button mushroom accounts for over 30% of global production. This white mushroom has a subtle flavor and is often sliced and eaten raw in salads.
Shiitake mushrooms are prized for their rich, earthy flavor and described as the “king of mushrooms” in Japanese cuisine. Oyster mushrooms have velvety caps that range from grey to yellow, with a delicate taste.
Conclusion
Estimates for the total number of mushroom species on Earth range drastically from 140,000 to over 1 million. The vast majority have yet to be classified by scientists.
Mushrooms display staggering diversity in shape, color, size and distribution worldwide. While many wild species are inedible or poisonous, humans have domesticated around 35 types as foods.
China, Japan, Brazil and other countries with warm, humid climates have especially high mushroom biodiversity. But species have adapted to thrive in habitats across the globe, except the most extreme cold and dry environments.
Mycologists continue discovering new species annually, though loss of habitat threatens to wipe out mushrooms before they are even documented. Further exploration and conservation will provide a clearer picture of just how many types exist.
