Fungus

Ferns, with their graceful, sweeping fronds, are used as houseplants and outdoor container plants. They have been around for more than 300 million years. At the time of publication, there are about…

Loropetalum is an early-season blooming shrub that heralds spring with a glorious display of pink or white, fringy flowers. Although it is very resistant to diseases and pests, occasionally it…

Fungus thrives in the damp, insulated conditions underneath your driveway's asphalt as long as the soil contains enough organic matter to feed it. Some types of fungus may damage your driveway and the…

Few plants feel so at home in the shadier corners of the house that not only does their foliage remain healthy and strong, but they produce gorgeous tropical flowers. This is why there is such a love…

Some gardeners use peat pots, which are made of compressed dead peat moss, as a biodegradable container for plants. Peat pots are useful in starting new seeds and are meant to be planted completely…

The abutilon, or flowering maple (Abutilon x hybridum), shrub brightens gardens with arching stems of bell-shaped flowers. The white, pastel, yellow, pink or red blooms measuring up to 3 inches across…

Fungal growth on a birch trunk typically indicates advanced wood decay. Birches, valued for their graceful profiles and ornamental bark, are exceptionally vulnerable to heart rot fungi. Any serious…

Flowering magnolias (Magnolia spp.) draw admiring glances from all directions. These majestic trees can soar to 80 feet or be confined to 10-foot shrubs that grace landscapes with elegant white, pink…

The camellia is a slow-growing, attractive shrub with more than 2,300 varieties. It produces glossy, dark green foliage and can reach mature heights up to 25 feet. An acid-lover, the camellia blooms…

Normal, healthy soil should have a number of living organisms within it. This includes many different types of fungi. Most gardeners think of fungus as an enemy that gives birth to diseases on plants…

Rockrose (Cistus spp.) is a drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub that grows up to 6 feet tall and wide and produces single, 2- to 3-inch flowers with a texture similar to thin, crinkly paper. Cistus is a…

Succulents are fleshy plants that can withstand long periods of drought because they store water in their leaves, which are protected from evaporation by a thick, waxy cuticle. They use the stored…

Staghorn ferns can grow into spectacular plants. The fern must be kept moist and favors relatively high humidity and indirect sunlight, so misting of plants living indoors is required for healthy…

Native to the U.S., baccharis is an evergreen shrub that blooms late in the year and shows masses of silky, white seed pods. Baccharis species are drought tolerant and hardy, and need little care in…

Orchid cacti are a type of epiphyllum (an epiphytic cactus that roots in trees). They are grown primarily for their blooms which are large -- resembling those of a lotus or water lily -- and very…

Geraniums are popular flowering plants for indoor and outdoor growth during the late spring and summer months. Botrytis fungi cause infections of nearly all parts of geranium tissue, which can…

Lavender plants are attractive and useful for both ornamental and herbal purposes. They are easy to grow under ideal conditions of dry weather and well-draining soil. Fungus on lavender roots is one…

Rosemary is a garden herb that is quite easy to grow. However, fungus is a problem you need to watch for when growing rosemary. Proper care of the garden and maintaining a healthy environment should…

Some fungi capable of causing white rot include Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Botryosphaeria dothidea and Sclerotium cepivorum. These fungi rot vegetables and fruit, damage…

Gardenias (Gardenia angusta) are renowned for the fragrant scent of their blossoms and rich green leaves. The plant demands a significant amount of attention and diligence. Several forms of fungus…

Fungi can interfere with home life in a number of ways: unsightly mushrooms growing in the lawn or mold growing around leaky plumbing, for example. But perhaps one of the strangest ways that…

Black fungus can be an unsightly ailment to have develop on shrubs around the home. Nearly all types of shrubs are vulnerable to this condition, including both deciduous and evergreen varieties. While…

Not to be confused with the tea plant that produces black and green teas, trees in the genus Melaleuca, commonly known as the tea tree, are Australian natives well known among proponents of…

Miniature roses are a popular shrub for those who want roses but lack the space for a traditional rose bush. They are however, susceptible to a range of fungal diseases like all roses. Miniature roses…

More than 60,000 species of fungi have been discovered in the world. It's little wonder that on a short walk to your car or a long hike in the woods, fungi are hard to miss. Fungi can be seen climbing…

The black jelly fungus is an edible mushroom that is often dried and used in Thai and Chinese cuisine. There are several colors of jelly fungi, which look like rubbery chunks of kelp or seaweed. Black…

Hydroseeding is the process of utilizing a high pressure hose to distribute a mix of seed and liquid mulch over an area. When white fungus begins to display on grass that has been hydroseeded, an…

It isn't uncommon to see growths, lesions or discolorations on plant leaves. These unhealthy areas are often a result of disease caused by fungal infection. While some of these conditions are…

Southern home gardeners often choose the aromatic gardenia as a groundcover, hedge or border. Best known for its fragrant creamy white flowers and thick glossy green leaves, these shrubs are often…

Cactus plants grow in desert landscapes, in gardens and as houseplants. Saguaro and other columnar cacti have tall, ribbed stems and branches, while prickly pear has flat, wide leaf-like pads.…

Fungi are pathogens, disease carriers of many of the most common and serious plant diseases, including diseases of food plants such as raspberries. It is important for anyone growing raspberries to…

The word "Phytophthora," translated from Greek, means "plant killer." Aptly named, Phytophthora root fungus often lies dormant in the soil or years before attacking a wide range of ornamental shrubs…

Red stinkhorn fungus, aptly name for its bright color and carrionlike odor, is a short-lived mushroom that thrives in conditions found in lawns and gardens. It thrives in warm, humid environments that…

Peas are a sweet and healthy addition to the home garden. They are susceptible to fungal infection and one of the most common is powdery mildew. Affecting all above ground parts of the plant, powdery…

Fungi are microscopic plants that infect green plant tissue and cause various diseases including rust. Of all the disease causing pathogens that are likely to infect plants, including viruses and…

There are a variety of pests and diseases that can affect the plants in your yard, but one of the most common nuisances that you may encounter are fungi. There are a wide range of fungi that may…

Humans have been growing millet for the past 4,000 years, and it is one of the oldest crops known, according to the Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute. Millet is grown for food, as forage and for…

Reptiles are covered with scales and scutes, which is a distinguishing characteristic that sets them apart from amphibians and other vertebrates. Scales are dry structures that help conserve water and…

Okra is warm-season vegetable crop grown throughout the southern United States in temperatures ranging from 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Valued for their edible immature seedpods, okra plants are…

Cucuzza (Lagenaria siceraria) is a zucchini-like vegetable native to Italy. Unlike zucchini, cucuzza's skin is hard, inedible and needs to be peeled before eating. It is a vining plant that requires…

As members of the same species, nectarines (Prunus persica) and peaches are very similar. The nectarine is distinguished by the absence of small, fuzzy hairs on its fruit. Nectarines and peaches also…

Silver maple trees are medium-size trees valued for as ornamentals and soft lumber. Silver maples are susceptible to a variety of insects and diseases. Most diseases and insect pests attack the trees…

Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to grow but, according to horticulturist Deborah Brown at the University of Minnesota Extension, they don't deserve that reputation. Brown says several…

Cherry laurel is also known as Prunus caroliniana, which is a member of the genus Prunus, This evergreen is characterized by shiny green foliage and aromatic bowl-shaped blooms that develop in thick…

Some bamboo is susceptible to a variety of fungus and pests. Fungal infections particularly can begin to grow on indoor bamboo plants if you don't care for them properly. Outdoor wild bamboo is…

People often mistake the Cycad aulacaspis scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui) as a fungus on the sago palm, according to the University of Florida Polk County Master Gardeners. Sago palms infested with the…

Sycamore trees (Platanus occidentalis) are a large and important part of the home landscape, providing year-around beauty and cooling summer shade. The tree's complex, intertwining root system makes…

Mint is an easy-to-cultivate herb, with many practical uses, that can be grown in a pot or garden. There are hundreds of varieties of mint, from well-known peppermint and spearmint to the unusual such…

Images of yellow-leaved quaking aspens (Populus tremuloides) reflected in clear blue Rocky Mountain lakes have adorned countless Colorado calendars and travel brochures. That brilliant fall display…

Among all the pathogens, such as fungi, bacteria and viruses, that are likely to infect grasses and plants and cause diseases, fungi are by far the most common, according to North Dakota State…

Certain species of fungus cause problems when they pop up in hardwood mulch. Gardeners may see growth from artillery fungus, stinkhorns or toadstools. Hardwood mulch made from diseased trees may also…

Azaleas are a species of flower-bearing shrubs of the genus Rhododendron. They thrive in partially shaded areas, have shallow roots and grow best in low acidic soil, with a pH between 4.5 and 6.…

When you step outside to check out how the new crop of fruit on your citrus tree is coming along, the last thing you want to discover is black mold growing on the tree's bark, leaves and even on the…

Cucuzza is a long, club-shaped variety of bottle gourd, closely related to squash. It has a light green skin and white flesh. Some varieties of bottle gourd are bitter tasting because they contain…

Bee balm is an herbaceous perennial herb that blooms with spidery, edible red flowers, and dark green, fragrant foliage. Many types of wildlife are attracted to bee balm, including hummingbirds, bees…

Eastern red cedar trees (Juniperus virginiana) grow in forests across the Eastern United States from the Atlantic coast to the Great Plains. Wildlife shelter in the branches and feed on the berries…

Identifying and treating disease early helps control fungal infections on cucumbers before they spread to the rest of the garden. Fungal infections tend to appear in hot weather late in the season and…

Home gardeners often find brightly colored fungi growing on their soil, mulch, lawn grass or garden plants. Slime molds, usually found after rainy weather, are often brightly colored areas of mold.…

Yellow ground fungus or slime mold is made up of millions of Hysarum polycephalum fungal spores. Gardeners may see slime mold growing on mulch and grass. While this yellow ground fungus may…

Growing the perfect summer tomato requires you to look out for several potential problems. Understanding the common fungal diseases and other issues that affect a tomato garden helps the home gardener…

Mulch is a highly beneficial garden amendment, especially when it is comprised of organic materials such as woody or coarse compost. Mulch aids in soil water retention, helps prevent erosion, reduces…

Home gardeners often find their elm trees turning yellow and wilting rapidly. This is most often caused by a fungus commonly spread to elm trees by European elm bark beetles. The fungus is known as…

Dogwoods (Cornus species) are a family of deciduous flowering shrubs or small trees that vary in size. Homeowners cultivate them as specimen plants, as patio trees, or as borders or screens. They grow…

Conifers are host to a wide variety of fungi, both harmful and beneficial. Many of these are parasites, sapping nutrients from the host tree and causing disease or death, while others are symbiotes,…

Cnidaria, a phylum in the animal kingdom, includes well-known but simple aquatic animals such as jellyfish, corals and sea anemones. Supported by relatively basic nervous and digestive systems, these…

The ladybug is a species of beetle, which is a type of insect. Most ladybugs are red in color and have between two and twenty black spots, depending on the species. Adult ladybugs are often welcome…

Frogs are amphibious animals with four legs and no tails. Toads are frogs; although no taxonomic distinction separates toads from other types of frogs, some informal distinctions can be made. For…

Ladybugs are predatory beetles that live in temperate climates near plants that host their food source. Ladybugs are native to North America and Europe and span the globe from Canada to the Horn of…

Flavonoids are plant-based compounds that have similar properties to anti-oxidants. These compounds have many benefits for heart health, prevention of cancer, and repair of cellular damage. Flavonoids…

Ladybug or ladybeetle is an insect with a special pair of tough, leather-like wings. The wings, elytra, open when the beetle flies and this give room for another pair of wings to flutter. There are…

Usually, rust is something to be avoided on metals because it causes metal to weaken and eventually break. This death sentence for many metals can become a blessing if you are interested in doing…

Cnidaria are aquatic invertebrates such as sea anemones, medusae, corals, box jellyfish and true jellyfish. Most of them live in the ocean, but a few, like the hydra, live in freshwater. They are…

Clamped fins is a condition among aquarium fish in which the fish continually holds its fins folded against the body. The fins are not fanned out and the fish is listless. Clamped fins does not…

Oyster mushrooms are a common North American variety known for their distinctive, unusual odor and mild taste, muted color and eponymous oyster-like appearance. They grow on living or dead wood,…

Fingernail fungal infections occur when fungi grow under the nail, causing discoloration and nail damage. There are several home remedies for nail fungus, but before using these remedies discuss them…

All living organisms share specific qualities that set them apart from nonliving things. Living organisms display the following characteristics: they are made from cells, have different levels of…

With their colorful markings, cheerful appearance and reputation for bringing good luck, ladybugs are garden favorites of both children and adults. The small beetles are common in the United States…

Mangroves are hosts to over 200 species of endophytic fungi, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Endophytic fungi are parasites. More than one type of endophytic fungus can colonize a…

A fungus will grow on any food item as long as it provides the right conditions for its growth. Bread kept at a warm-enough temperature provides both the moisture and food that fungi require to grow.

Fungus is a living thing that can be very destructive to railroad ties and other wooden items. Fungus growing on wood is also known as wood rot. Some fungus can infest the wood and cause it to break…

The BP oil spill was the largest oil spill in U.S. history and the second largest in the world. Although this is not the only disaster for which C13 fungus has been suggested (as C13 fungus has been…

Fungus on wood can be caused by moisture buildup and can damage and destroy wood. The key to removing fungi from wood is to take it a step at a time in terms of how aggressive to be. Another key is to…

Wood fungus, or mold, is a common household problem that many homeowners must deal with every year. That's because wood is a porous substance that absorbs moisture. As a result, it's much more…

The chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) has been implicated as a major cause of global amphibian declines. The spread of this fungus has risen to epidemic levels, and it has become a huge…

There are over 100,000 known species of fungus in North America, and a large majority of those are ground fungus or mushrooms. Identifying them is a daunting task similar to flower identification…

The later part of the 20th century saw an increase in the deaths of frogs and toads worldwide. Upon examining some of the dead amphibians, scientists learned that they carried fungal DNA, according to…

Ladybugs, sometimes called ladybirds or lady beetles, are the natural enemies to many insects and need to feed on them to survive. In the early stages of their lives, ladybugs need a source of water.…

According to the Michigan Mushrooms Hunters Club, "Michigan is resplendent in the varieties of fungi that can be found in our abundant forests and fields but one needs to know what to look for; not…

Aspergillus niger is a commonly occurring species of fungus that is found primarily on decaying vegetation such as grain, compost, leaves and food products. In the kitchen, you may know it as the…

Red mushrooms have been popularized in contemporary culture because of the misconception regarding their edibility. Most red mushrooms are perfectly harmless, and some are even beneficial for human…

Gentamicin sulfate is a chemical that was first isolated in 1963. It originates from the soil fungus known as Micromonospora purpura. In its basic form, it is a white, odorless, powder. Introduced for…

Professor Wayne Armstrong of Palomar College says more than 100,000 species of molds, mushrooms, and other organisms are classified as fungi. While some fungi are known parasites of humans and other…

Many different types of molds, a type of fungus, grow on many different types of food. Fruits, vegetables, breads, cheese, beef and poultry products, jams and jellies among many other types of food…

For hundreds of years, wheat fungus has devastated crops and caused a form of poisoning called ergot. It was particularly widespread in Europe and also affects wheat elsewhere. One of the effects of…

The kingdom of fungi includes organisms such as mushrooms, yeasts and molds. Although some are poisonous or cause diseases, many fungi are beneficial.

Sleepy cod, or Oxyeleotris lineolatus, is a freshwater fish native to northern Australia and New Guniena. Their diet includes fish, insects and crustaceans. Certain fungi and viruses can invade the…

Rust is a fungal growth that can occur on certain plants that resembles a coat of paint or a stain. Rust fungi are a big problem with agricultural plants, where their presence can cause major damage…

Redwood trees are impressive. Found in coastal areas of northern California and southern Oregon, these giants can grow to be over 300 feet tall and have life spans that can exceed 2,000 years.…

Fungus can manifest itself in many ways that can be either beneficial or harmful. Mushrooms are a form of fungus that grows in yards and fields. Because there are so many different species of…

Morchella fungus is a genus of mushrooms commonly referred to as morels. Morschella mushrooms are prized as a culinary delicacy and are also used for medicinal purposes.

Fungi are unique organisms that occupy their own kingdom apart from plants and animals. Most fungi act as decomposers. However, some fungi can cause disease while other fungi are edible. Common fungi…

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a species of freshwater aquarium fish. They are susceptible to a type of fungus which affects the fin. It can cause serious problems if it is not…

When cultivating a fungus, it is important to isolate the strain. The slightest amount of contamination can mean a bacterial infection, growth of the wrong fungus or a botched sample. Having the…

Snow fungus (Tremella fuciformis) is a type of mushroom that is commonly used in Chinese cooking. It is a healthful food, but because of its unusual texture, many people consider it an acquired taste.

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are wild edible mushrooms that grow on the sides of diseased or dying deciduous hardwood trees and dead wood. Oyster mushrooms grow in Europe and North America…

Roses are very susceptible to the fungus that causes tiny black spots to appear on flower leaves. In the case of this popular flower, the culprit is Diplocarpon rosae.

When you think of yeast, you probably think of baking breads and pastries. Yeast is actually fungus that has many uses outside of cooking, though. Yeast can be a vitamin ingredient or even an…

Fungi are a large category of organisms that includes mushrooms, molds, yeasts and mildews. Scientists have identified about 80,000 species of fungi.

Fungi exist in all regions of the globe and inhabit soil, air, water, animals and plants. While scientists previously classified fungi as plants, they lack chlorophyll and cannot carry out…

Fungi are unique organisms with body structures and reproductive modes unlike those of any other organism. Mushrooms, mold and certain parasites are all fungi. The key features of a fungal body are…

Every acre of Arctic tundra contains "more than two tons of live fungi," according to the Alaska Science Forum. Most of Alaska's 250 types of wood-inhabiting fungus belong to the biological order…

There are over 60,000 identified species of fungi, reports the Georgia Museum of Natural History. While there are many different types of fungi, there are some similarities that all fungi share.

Although mold and fungus are related---the former is actually a subset of the latter---the terms cannot be used interchangeably. Each has its own distinct characteristics, features and functions.…

Mold needs four things in order to grow: water, food, suitable air quality and temperature. Food that contains any kind of water or fluid is susceptible to mold growth. In addition, mold can only grow…

The fungus family includes a number of organisms such as yeast, mold and the ever-popular mushroom. If you're an avid mushroom fanatic or just a person who loves learning about nature, fungi…

The word “fungus” comes from the Greek word for mushroom. Common in all parts of the world, scientists list more than 70,000 species of fungus. Important to humans, varieties of fungus…