Mycelium is the vegetative body of a fungus, consisting of a network of interconnected fungal hyphae. It grows through soil, organic matter, wood, roots, and other substrates, absorbing water and nutrients and serving as the primary growth form of most fungi.
In gardens and natural ecosystems, mycelium is a major driver of decomposition and nutrient cycling. It breaks down dead organic material and helps release nutrients that can later be used by plants and other organisms. Some fungi form beneficial relationships with plant roots through mycorrhizae, where the mycelium extends far beyond the root system and helps acquire water and nutrients, particularly phosphorus.
The mushrooms commonly seen above ground are reproductive structures produced by an underlying mycelial network. In many cases, the mycelium occupies a much larger area than the visible mushrooms and can persist in the soil for years.
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