Fairsts

Fairsts, also known as fairy rings, are circular formations of mushrooms that appear in grassy areas, particularly in woodlands and meadows. They are not a single species but rather a collective term for various species of mushrooms that grow in a ring shape. The most common species associated with fairy rings are the fairy ring mushroom (Marasmius oreades) and the honey mushroom (Armillaria mellea).

Fairy rings are formed when a single mushroom spawn (mycelium) grows outward in a circular pattern, creating a ring of mushrooms. The mushrooms within the ring are typically of the same species and age, while the area inside the ring is usually free of mushrooms. Over time, the mushrooms within the ring die and fall over, leaving a ring of fallen mushrooms. The ring can expand over time as the mycelium continues to grow outward.

Fairy rings are a natural phenomenon and are not harmful to the environment. They are often used as a teaching tool in schools to help students understand the life cycle of mushrooms and the role of mycelium in nutrient cycling. However, some species of fairy rings, such as the honey mushroom, can cause damage to trees and other plants by forming a network of mycelium that can strangle and kill them.