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Not just soup: Decode the secret life of mushrooms at Empress Botanical Garden walk

Mushrooms and insects share a common problem – both are poorly understood.

At the Empress Botanical Garden, one is likely to see mushrooms growing on tree trunks and branches (Source: Freepik)

“Mushrooms are the only fruiting body of a fungus that is underground. We can’t see that fungus, but we are familiar with the reproductive part of some fungi in the form of mushrooms,” says Shreyas Pattanshetty, co-founder of Pune-based Capparis Eco Solutions, which works on urban biodiversity.

Some fungi are well known, like the Honey Mushrooms (Armillaria ostoyae), which is also the world’s second largest known organism, growing in Oregon’s Blue Mountains in the US.

Swara Bakshi, Associate Partner with Capparis Eco Solutions belives that the lack of knowledge among people about mushroom’s could be a result of its short lifespan. . “They are highly seasonal and appear only when it rains and the conditions of habitat and humidity are suitable. These organisms, fungi, produce their fruiting bodies or mushrooms. So, every fruiting body is not called a mushroom, but every mushroom is called a fruiting body,” she adds.

On June 28, Bakshi, Pattanshetty and ecologist Kedar Champhekar are conducting a ‘monsoon special’ nature event, “Insect and Mushroom Walk”, at Empress Botanical Garden from 8 am to 9:30 am.

“Insects and mushrooms are, both, easily overlooked. We don’t really see them and we don’t like them, especially insects. The idea of the walk is to show how insects and fungi have important ecological roles to play. They are important to the cycle of nature and connected to our lives,” says Champhekar. He adds that monsoon is a good time to learn about a larger category of arthropods including millipedes, centipedes and spiders. “Insects are only a section of these creatures that we see around us,” says Champhekar.

In an four-month-long assement carried out by Pattanshetty and Bakshi at the Empress Botanical Garden in 2024, more than 50 species of mushrooms were identified and a small pbooklet was published to be used as a field guide. “Mushrooms are critical to study as we can’t tell the species just by looking at a sample,” says Bakshi.

Though not visible to the naked eye, fungi are always present in the soil as networks of microscopic threads called mycelia.

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Fungi and bacteria in the soil are nature’s recycling. “If there are no mushrooms, there will be piles and piles of waste and wood and leaf litter. Decomposing is the primary function of mushrooms,” says Pattanshetty.

At the Empress Botanical Garden, one is likely to see mushrooms growing on tree trunks and branches, leaf litter, sticks and dead wood in shades of brown and white and many sizes. “Generally, mushrooms are umbrella shaped but there is no hard-and-fast rule. Cup Fungus or Bird’s Nest Fungus, for instance, do not look like typical mushrooms, but they are fruiting bodies of a fungi,” says Bakshi.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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