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What part of a fungal colony is responsible for creating fairy rings
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Fairy rings are formed by certain types of fungi, particularly those in the genus *Marasmius*, *Armillaria*, and *Agaricus*. The part of the fungal colony responsible for creating fairy rings is the mycelium, which is the vegetative part of the fungus composed of a network of thread-like structures called hyphae.
As the mycelium grows outward in a circular pattern, it depletes the nutrients in the soil at the center of the ring. As a result, the grass or vegetation in the center often dies off, while the edges of the ring, where the mycelium is actively growing and finding nutrients, can become lush and green. This phenomenon creates the characteristic circular shape of a fairy ring. Over time, the ring may expand as the mycelium continues to grow outward.
As the mycelium grows outward in a circular pattern, it depletes the nutrients in the soil at the center of the ring. As a result, the grass or vegetation in the center often dies off, while the edges of the ring, where the mycelium is actively growing and finding nutrients, can become lush and green. This phenomenon creates the characteristic circular shape of a fairy ring. Over time, the ring may expand as the mycelium continues to grow outward.
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