Older Than the Dinosaurs
The earliest fungi dates back 420 Million Years, with a mushroom called Prototaxites which was 8 meters tall [5]. When it was first discovered, researcher assumed it was a tree, due to its impressive size. However; life at the time was made up of alga and primitive plants [5].
At this time in Earth’s history, the world was chaotic, volcanic and the climate was changing. The evolution of higher plants and fungi paved the way for the green planet we know and love [6]
It can be challenging to interpret fossils, therefore; an alternative hypothesis was put forward for the Prototaxites fossils. Liverwort is a primitive plants that was around 420 million years ago. This plant looks like flat leaves and is found near water. It was hypothesised that Prototaxites was not fungi, but rolled liverwort mats [9].
After extensive research of the fine filaments present in the Prototaxites fossil, it has been established that this is a fungi with hyphal tissue. It would not be possible for liverwort to roll in the way it would need to to leave the Prototaxites fossil impression [6].
Liverwort. Image Credit: James St John
How Large was Prototaxeties
The first fossils of Prototaxites was discovered in 1859 [5]. Fossil records show Prototaxites was 8 meters tall!
This is equivalent to 3 ping-pong tables end to end.
Age of Fungi
Ancient People and Fungi
Mushrooms, especially psychoactive mushrooms, have been utilised during rituals and spirit communication throughout ancient history. Aztec shamans were known to consume psilocybin mushrooms to reach a higher state of consciousness. They believed this information was from the Gods and informed them of what the tribes should do to grow and survive [12].
For very similar reasons mushrooms have been used by Amazonians, American Indians, Greeks, Indians, and Tibetan cultures. Each culture utilises mushrooms to either ascend personally and reach a highly state of consciousness, or meditate on the issues of life to reach a better understanding. Shamans and chieftains use their hallucinogenic affects to communicate with gods or spirits of the deceased. Gaining knowledge from other dimensions for the development of the family, group, tribe or society [12].
To find out the specifics of each culture and what they used and how, I highly recommend reading The consumption of Psychoactive Plants during Religious Rituals.
Did Mushrooms Create Christmas?
It is believed the story of Christmas comes from fungi too. Indigenous people would allow reindeer to consume fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), a conveniently white and red mushroom. Then the urine of the reindeer would be collected and turned in to a tea, which was drank for its hallucinogenic properties.
Maybe this is why Christmas is white and red and reindeer fly!
Santa Image Credit: Andrea Piacquadio
Mushroom Uses
The shaggy inkcap or Lawyers wig (Coprinus comatus) produces a thick black sporulation, as seen in the photos above.
This black spore mass has previously been used to create ink to write with. You have to wait until the mushroom ages, the cap will curl upwards and the thick ‘ink’ will form. Prior to this, whilst the mushroom is still curved over, with the cap attached to the stipe, you can eat it.
If you would like to make your own ink from inkcaps, have a look at this article https://www.instructables.com/Make-Ink-From-Decaying-Mushrooms/