Mushrooms grow in a circle because the fungus that produces them spreads underground through a network of thread-like structures called mycelium. This mycelium grows outward evenly in all directions from a central spore, forming a circular shape. As the mycelium spreads, it depletes nutrients in the soil at the center, causing the central fungus to die off, while the outer edges continue growing and producing mushrooms. This results in a ring or circle of mushrooms above ground, commonly known as a "fairy ring".
The circle shape is a natural consequence of the radial growth pattern of the fungal mycelium underground. Mushrooms appear only at the active outer edge of the mycelium where nutrients are still available, hence the visible ring. Over time, the ring can expand outward, sometimes reaching impressive sizes and ages, like one in France that has lasted nearly 700 years.
In summary, the mushrooms growing in a circle is due to the growth behavior of the underground fungal network expanding outward from a single point and creating visible fruiting bodies at the edges while the center dies off. This biological process creates the classic mushroom circle pattern seen in nature.
