Mushrooms Save Bees? Pollinator Birds Save the Environment?

Can Mushrooms Save the Bees?

Paul Stamets’ Host Defense’s team and Washington State University published their research in Nature’s Scientific Reports. Mycelium extracts of polypore mushrooms (Reishi and Amadou) have been shown to confer an immune benefit to bees. As pollinators go, bees are one of the most critical players in food security globally.

“The results look very promising and worth investigating further,” says Dr. Renata Borba, a researcher at Beaverlodge, Canada.

HIVEOPOLIS in the UK continues to take the study further stating “there are combined functionalities that can be extracted from mushroom mycelium to provide a therapeutic environment primarily for honeybees, and as a consequence for human beings. Our approach is to fuse the medicinal (anti-viral, immune-boosting, etc) and building-related (mechanical, structural, thermal) performance of mycomaterials.”

Environmental Healing & Pollination

Fantastic Fungi believes in focusing on supporting our earth and finding solutions.

Without pollinators like the bees, existing populations of plants would decline, even if soil, air, nutrients, and other life-sustaining elements were available.

Pollinator Birds for the Environment 

What many folks may not be aware of are the many ways that pollinator birds also improve the wellbeing of our environment.

The world is filled with thousands of birds that are involved in flower pollination. By soaking in nectar from one plant and transferring it to another, they contribute to plant fertilization. In doing this, bird pollinators are expanding the earth’s wildlife coverage and improving the ecosystem. They are vital members of said ecosystem. 

Hummingbird

These little fleeting birds have the right thin tubular bills that are perfect for pollination.  Usually no larger than 5 inches in size, they’re small compact birds with speedy, fleeting wings that help them hover over plants as they transfer nectar from flower to flower. They’re commonly found in the Americas and prefer vibrant colored flowers of reds, pinks, fuchsias, oranges, and yellows.

Honeyeaters

With strong vocal muscles, these are members of the songbird family. They have bills that slope down and a tongue that’s developed for nectar suction.  

Honeycreepers

Crested honeycreepers are loyal pollinators. They’ll return to the same flowers again and again for their nectar source, carrying traces of it to other plants that need the sustenance. 

Flower-peckers

Another type of songbird, these birds choose to visit shrubbery and other greenery along with small fruits. Their bills are sharp and fine-pointed, and their brush-tipped tongues are perfectly equipped for sharing juices and nectars.

Sunbirds

With thin bills curved downwards, sunbirds, also known as spiderhunters, are smaller, slender birds that rely on nectar and insects for food. They will intake the liquids from fruits and puncture any plants for their nectar supply if it is difficult to access.

These birds must have enough wildlife to support themselves. They need the efforts of people to restore and protect their habitat so they can continue to feed the ecosystem. This year make sure to focus on getting back to nature while helping pollinator birds saving the environment!

We are all connected. From the anti-viral properties of mycelium to protect our bees to the pollinating benefits of birds, we believe in working towards solutions that improve sustainability and the environment.