The fungi of the forest live mostly in the form of underground mycelia networks. During the autumn, the mycelia grow visible fruit bodies on the ground. The fruit body consists of a stem and a cap. The cap releases spores, which the fungi uses to reproduce and spread into new areas. 

Because the fruit bodies of various fungi have different shapes, colors and structures, you can learn to identify mushrooms. This is especially important if you plan to collect mushrooms to eat. 

Fungal cells do not contain chloroplasts, which means that they cannot photosynthesize. Instead, they gain their energy from green plants, just like animals do. This means that fungi are consumers. 

Some fungi collect sugar from tree roots. In return, some fungi species give the tree some of the water collected by the mycelia. This kind of a mutually beneficial co-operation is known as symbiosis. 

Some fungi are decomposers that break down dead plant parts. Bracket fungi, for example, live on fallen or dead tree trunks and act as decomposers. 

Some fungi are inedible, whereas others are dangerously toxic. Such fungi include the destroying angel and the fly amanita (pictured). In contrast, other fungi, such as boletes and chanterelles, are widely used in cooking.