Fungi are an elusive offshoot of multicellular life, neither animal nor plant. Their uses for humanity are varied and, in some respects, fairly surprising. In the realm of gastronomy, they are renowned for their earthy flavour and soft texture. In medicine, certain fungi yield miraculous compounds, the most historically famous example being penicillin. Scientists, engineers and artisans have also found industrial or commercial uses for certain types of fungi, for example in the manufacturing of dyes or textiles. Most species of fungi are gathered from nature rather than cultivated, which drives their price up significantly.
