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An Intro to the World of Fungi

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Observe the forest floor closely, and a new world emerges. The world as we know it wouldn't exist without fungi. Fungi have been around for more than a billion years - working as the natural world's architects and alchemists.  Since the dawn of human civilization, we've harnessed their powers.  Our lives are richer as fruit is turned to wine, and yeasts raise our bread and ferment our beer or ale.  Penicillin, chocolate, soy sauce, miso, and detergent rely on fungi to be produced. Psychoactive compounds found in some fungi alter our experiences of connection, creativity, and even love.  By harnessing fungi to transform organic matter, diverse and innovative solutions to social and ecological issues are uncovered. Personal journey "Is everything alright? Are you eating all of these!?" Some friends voice concerns for my well-being after I post a series of strange and unique mushroom photos online. Others marvel and are genuinely interested. The reaction is typical -
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Fungal Inferno: An Encounter with Poison Fire Coral Fungus

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  Many articles are published with headlines like, "Deadly fungus, poison fire coral, sighted near Cairns, prompting a warning for bushwalkers," "This deadly mushroom can literally shrink your brain—and it's probably more widespread than we thought," and "Sightings of deadly 'fire mushroom' prompt warning from US military in Japan." The species creating all the hubbub is Trichoderma cornu-damae , also known as 'Poison Fire Coral' and in Japan as 火炎茸 / kaentake, or "fire mushroom." Personally, I prefer the Taiwanese common names "flame antler" and "flame meat stick fungus."  Encyclopedia Britannica lists Trichoderma cornu-damae as the world's second deadliest fungus (behind the Death Cap - Amanita phalloides ). Yikes!
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