Unseen and microscopic, this part of the fungi organism spreads as a branching network underground, making up what could be the largest organism in the world, according to mycologist Paul Stamets in his book Mycelium Running.
Mushrooms are incredible organisms; vital for the decomposition of living matter and capable of bioremediation or the cleaning up of toxic contaminants in our environment.
This illustration depicts the life cycle of fungi as a continuum of germination, sprouting and formation of the so-called “fruiting body,” the natural forms of the fungi are incorporated into a few of the notable architectural landmarks of Montréal (Église Saint-Édouard and Basilique-cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde), all inspired by the beautiful, mushroom cap-like cupolas of cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde.
More on mycelium via Wikipedia:
Mycelium (plural mycelia) is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. [..] It is through the mycelium that a fungus absorbs nutrients from its environment. [..] Mycelium is vital in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems for its role in the decomposition of plant material. It contributes to the organic fraction of soil, and its growth releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. The mycelium of mycorrhizal fungi increases the efficiency of water and nutrient absorption of most plants and confers resistance to some plant pathogens. Mycelium is an important food source for many soil invertebrates.
Will fungi save the world? I certainly hope so.