Marian VolkwynKirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is currently teeming with an abundance of mushrooms owing to the recent deluge of heavy rainfall. This growth is quite common during the rainy season, as mushrooms tend to flourish in moist surroundings.
Natural mushroom growth is an interesting phenomenon that occurs under specific environmental conditions. These remarkable organisms, known as the fruiting bodies of fungi, rely on various factors to flourish, with moisture being a preeminent factor.
As we are all aware, the Cape has not been short of moisture in recent weeks.
Mushrooms play an important role in ecosystems because they participate in nutrient cycling and perform a variety of ecological functions. Furthermore, their prestigious culinary and medicinal properties have piqued the interest of scientists, mushroom enthusiasts and chefs.
To commemorate World Environment Day, here are some images that provide a visual glimpse into the thriving world of mushrooms at Kirstenbosch Garden, showcasing the numerous species that currently thrive within its enchanting grounds:
Picture: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden / FacebookFeature image: Unsplash
Originally written by Sarah du Toit for Cape {Town} etc.
