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A new study published in the journal Fungal Genetics and Biology shows that this brownish mushroom has been around since the Cretaceous period.
There are 1.5 million species of fungi in the world, and one of the oldest is the famous morel. This member of the Morchella genus has been around for more than 129 years.
New research conducted at Oregon State University found that this humble mushroom originated in the Cretaceous period. “Oddly enough, most animals species aren’t particularly attracted to morels,” explained Nancy Weber, a researcher with the College of Forest Ecosystems and Society at Oregon State University, “but humans have probably been eating them for about as long as there have been humans.”
With 177 related species, morels can be found in the US, Russia, Australia, China, Romania, England, Pakistan and France. Home growers have attempted to cultivate morels, however, few of them have been successful. Researchers are still trying to replicate its mysterious growing conditions.
