svamp

Svamp is the Swedish term for fungi and, in everyday use, for the mushroom—the visible fruiting body of many fungi. The word can refer to a single edible mushroom or, more broadly, to the fungal kingdom, including molds and yeasts. In scientific contexts svamp denotes members of the kingdom Fungi, which are distinct from plants and animals.

Fungi are eukaryotic, heterotrophic organisms that typically do not photosynthesize. They grow as networks of hyphae that form a mycelium, absorbing nutrients from organic matter. The fruiting bodies, such as mushrooms, produce spores for reproduction. Major groups include Basidiomycota, which form gilled mushrooms, and Ascomycota, which includes morels and truffles.

Ecologically, fungi are key decomposers and participants in symbiotic relationships with plants through mycorrhizae, aiding nutrient uptake. They recycle nutrients in forests, soils and ecosystems. Some fungi are pathogens, while many are harmless or beneficial to humans and other organisms.

Humans use fungi for food, medicine and biotechnology. Edible mushrooms such as Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus are cultivated worldwide, while others are collected from the wild. Some species are poisonous; misidentification can be dangerous. Fungi have provided antibiotics, enzymes and fermentation products that are foundational to industry and health.

Conservation and sustainable foraging are important where habitat loss or overharvesting affect wild species. Cultivation and regulation help protect ecosystems while meeting demand for food and biotechnological applications.