It may sound like a horror story, but this type of mushroom is actually a dangerous predator that can kill its prey instantly.
A carnivorous mushroom may sound like a tale from a horror film, but in the world, there exists a type of mushroom known as the oyster mushroom, a complete carnivorous plant whose food source is roundworms. They kill their prey using neurotoxins.
Oyster Mushroom.
Oyster mushrooms are known to be a delicious food, prepared in various dishes such as stir-fries and soups. Behind the beauty of these stunning grayish-white mushrooms lies a rather horrifying story.
The scientific name of the oyster mushroom is Pleurotus ostreatus, which typically grows on dead or dying trees. However, these tree trunks often contain too little protein, so the mushrooms turn to eating nematodes to grow. They use a series of small balls attached to the mycelium, which are long, hair-like strands located beneath the mushroom’s cap. When nematodes pass by these balls, they explode instantly, paralyzing and killing the small worms within minutes. Afterward, the mycelium penetrates the flesh, dissolving the tissues of the worm and absorbing all the nutrients.
A recent study has found that the balls of this mushroom kill their prey by releasing a lethal neurotoxin called 3-octanone. The release of these toxins triggers a massive influx of calcium ions, damaging the nerves and muscles of the nematodes, causing them to become paralyzed and subsequently die.
The toxin of the oyster mushroom is so potent that researchers believe it could be used in agriculture to eliminate nematodes that attack crops.
