Meet zombie fungi

admin
, 07 October 2024
Meet zombie fungi
Cordyceps fungus © Milly Rudling

Vedika Patel

Youth Ranger

The Deneway Nature Reserve is alive with fungi this autumn. I found a rare fungus during my first Youth Rangers session last week, the Cordyceps fungus. Cordyceps fungus, also known as the ‘zombie fungi,’ has a unique lifestyle. It typically grows on the larvae of insects through fungal spores, which infect the insect host, taking over its body and seemingly its mind. Through a combination of chemical and physiological warfare inflicted by the fungus, the infected host feels compelled to climb up a plant, bite onto a leaf and await death. Whilst the host is embarking on its final march, the fungus releases toxins which devours the hosts insides.

Cordyceps fungus © Milly Rudling
Cordyceps fungus © Milly Rudling

Unfortunately, after death, the host continues to be terrorized by the cordyceps. Once all the host’s nutrients have been metabolized, the fungus will sprout a mushroom-like structure from its corpse. These protrusions (stroma) contain sacs called asci- which contain the reproductive spores. Now high up on a leaf, the cordyceps will have the perfect point of attack: it can spread its spores and infect other insects’ nervous systems.

Surprisingly, the macabre Cordyceps has gained recognition as a health supplement. Ancient practitioners considered the fungus a powerful adaptogen and it is still used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. Emerging research is investigating whether cordyceps could help inhibit the growth of cancer cells, so it may even be used as a potential treatment for cancer.

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Comments

  • Theresa Wainman:

    I found this article so very interesting and really wanted to know more but it is finding the time.

    31 Oct 2024 14:37:00

  • Gill Taylor:

    Fascinating read. Interesting to hear it helps inflammation and might help fight cancer.

    31 Oct 2024 18:04:00

  • Caroline Robertson:

    Is it safe to ingest it if one finds it? I have arthritis and anything anti-inflammatory is very welcome!

    02 Nov 2024 23:33:00

  • Sussex Wildlife Trust:

    We would never recommend ingesting fungi, for any reason. It's far too easy to misidentify them. 

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