The power of osmosis.

[Trent Watts]

Stepping into my back alley yesterday I noticed two mushrooms pushing through the packed gravel where I store my garbage bins. It fascinates me to imagine the rivers of mycelium running under the ground. The pressure exerted by osmosis as the mycelium absorb moisture from the surrounding soil is enough to push through this packed gravel.
I took a picture before cleaning off the gravel on top of the mushroom and one after.
Here is an overall view after I cleaned the mushroom caps.

Before cleaning off.

After cleaning.

 

[AlanLichty]

Never underestimate the power of root systems Even from a mushroom.

 

[Eric Gofreed]

Stepping into my back alley yesterday I noticed two mushrooms pushing through the packed gravel where I store my garbage bins. It fascinates me to imagine the rivers of mycelium running under the ground. The pressure exerted by osmosis as the mycelium absorb moisture from the surrounding soil is enough to push through this packed gravel.
I took a picture before cleaning off the gravel on top of the mushroom and one after.
Here is an overall view after I cleaned the mushroom caps.


View attachment 81907

Before cleaning off.
View attachment 81905

After cleaning.
View attachment 81906

I completely agree with your description, Trent. it does seem like hidden rivers of life running underfoot. What you’re seeing is the fruiting body of a much larger fungus living underground. That part, called mycelium, forms a network of fine threads that stretch through soil and even gravel. When the conditions are right—usually after rain—the mycelium absorbs water through osmosis, building up pressure inside its cells. That pressure, called turgor pressure, is strong enough to push the mushroom up through tightly packed gravel. It’s amazing how something that looks so delicate can be so powerful.

 

[JimFox]

What a great photo you ended with Trent, and what a great lesson on mushrooms from you and Eric.

 

[Michael13]

This gives me hope that after humans have died off, Mother Nature will be able to recover and eventually remove all evidence we were ever here!