Pixie circle - Definition

A fairy ring or fairy circle, also known as a pixie ring, is a naturally occurring ring or arc of mushrooms. The rings may grow over ten meters in diameter and become stable over time as the fungus grows and seeks food underground. Even if no mushrooms are present, the underground presence of the fungus may sometimes be detected by observing the withering of grass directly above.

Although the edible Marasmius oreades is best known as the "fairy ring mushroom", other species of fungus, some of which are poisonous to humans, may also form arcs or rings.

In folklore, fairy rings were thought to be caused by fairies dancing in a circle, wearing down the grass beneath their feet.

External links

• Marasmius oreades from California Fungi (http://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/species/Marasmius_oreades.html)
• Marasmius oreades as Norwegian fungus of the month, with ring photographs (http://www.uio.no/conferences/imc7/NFotm99/October99.htm)