There is a myth that immediately after heavy rains in forest, mushrooms appear in large number and make a very large ring or circle, which may be several metres in diameter. These are called as ‘Fairy rings’. Can you explain this myth of fairy rings in biological terms?

Fairy rings are the annular rings, at the periphery visible fruiting body i.e. the basidiocarp are produced. Network of mycelia are produced underground, when it gets moist condition it produces visible basidiocarp on the ground. Initially basidiocarps are produced in clusters in form of disc. But as it grows diameter increases and due to exhaustion of nutrients in the central region this disc like structure changes to the annulus or a ring.

This naturally occurring ring or arch of mushrooms, occurring as a common turf disease, is identified as large dead rings or arch of grass in lawns during the spring or summer and is known as a ‘fairy rings’.