Treeshrooms

Basic Information

Anatomy

The anatomy of treeshrooms can vary, as the name is an overarching name for any mushroom that is over 1 foot tall. The stalks are typically very thick, to provide support. Mycelial tendrils have been knows to attach themselves to ruined buildings as extra support. During the spring, spores are released into the air, creating a thick miasma around clusters of the plant.

Genetics and Reproduction

Like most fungi, Treeshrooms reproduce by the use of airborne spores. Fortunately for the surrounding human populations, the spores of Treeshrooms are typically too large and heavy to travel very far outside of the Glowing Sea.

Growth Rate & Stages

Treeshrooms can grow extraordinarily quickly, and most scientifically inclined individuals in the Commonwealth believe that it is due to the fungi's exposure and dependence on radiation. Beyond the immense size, however, the life cycle resembles that of most other fungi.

Ecology and Habitats

Treeshrooms thrive in the radiation infested area of the Commonwealth's Glowing Sea. There are no other known areas where these fungi exist, and it is widely believed they are unique to the Commonwealth in the same vein that the Punga Fruit is native and unique to Point Lookout, Maryland.
Ambitious settlers (Typically Ghouls) have had very little success in getting the fungi to grow in non-irradiated areas.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Treeshrooms are primarily used by The Children of Atom as a source of building material.  The stalks of a mature Treeshroom can be used in construction as poles or logs, and the spores can be introduced into the mixture for concrete or clay to vastly improve the strength and durability of the bricks.
Treeshrooms are edible, but only the 'bark' of the stalks and the surface of the cap.  Toxic material from the irradiated soil is often stored in the gills of the plant and in dense enough concentrations to be lethal to most humanoids.  Ghouls seem to be the exception to the rule, although this is believed to be a quirk of their anatomy, not the Treeshroom's.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

While fungus patches can be found all over the Wasteland, Treeshrooms in particular are only found in The Glowing Sea in the The Commonwealth Wasteland.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

While the true nature of any sort of relationship is unknown, Treeshrooms often have clusters of Glowing Fungus and/or Brain Fungus growing near them.

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Height

3-5 meters (10-20ft)