A fairy ring is a circular pattern that is produced by fungi growing in grassland. As the fungus grows out from a central point it forms a circle, and at the edges of this circle the grass changes in appearance. Meanwhile the original fungus dies off, so all that is left is the expanding ring of fungus growing beneath the surface. Sometimes a ring of mushrooms also appears. These fairy rings keep growing for many years, perhaps even for centuries. They can reach a very large size unless they are disturbed, for example when the land is ploughed.
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Fact File: Fungi represent a separate kingdom of living things and should not be regarded as either plants or animals. There are many thousands of different kinds, showing a huge variety of shape and lifestyle. The fungus kingdom is split into two divisions – slime moulds and the true fungi. |
Picture Credit : Google