Merlin Sheldrake

Entangled Life

1. IDEA 1

   Fungi shape the living world

   Sheldrake argues that fungi are among the most important and least understood forms of life. They help plants grow, break down dead matter and connect living things in ways we are only beginning to see.

2. IDEA 2

   Fungi grow as networks

   Sheldrake explains that most of a fungus lives as mycelium, a web of fine threads spread through soil or wood. Mushrooms are only the fruiting bodies of these hidden networks.

3. IDEA 3

   Fungi partner with plants

   Sheldrake describes mycorrhizal fungi, which live in and around plant roots. They help plants get water and nutrients in exchange for sugars, a partnership that may have helped plants first colonise land.

All 8 ideas from Entangled Life →