Most people think there are two divisions of life: plant and animal. The biologists distinguish between five major kingdoms of life, and the fungi have one to themselves. Mushrooms and their cousins are not plants; they are as different genetically from plants as they are from animals. There are millions of species of fungi, producing a wide variety of chemicals. Some of these fungal chemicals are used as antibiotics, to prevent migraines, or to control cholesterol. And some have aphrodisiac properties. Here's a list of the fungal aphrodisiacs we have written about at aphrodisiology.

• Cordyceps Caterpillar Fungus from Tibet.
• Truffles are loaded with pheromones.
• Dictyphora indusiata has a scent that can trigger female orgasm!
• Alcohol is produced by Saccharomyces (a yeast fungi).
• Aloes Wood perfume is formed when a particular fungus infects certain species of tropical hardwood trees. The resulting oil is considered sensual and appears to have aphrodisiac properties. (more later)
• Psilocybin mushrooms are an aphrodisiac, according to some accounts. But the effect is not predictable, and many people get so overwhelmed by the sensations of a psilocybin experience that sex becomes impossible. They are illegal in many countries (in case you were unaware), but are freely sold in the Netherlands.

The photo is of a morel mushroom. Although they can be remarkably phallic, I don't know that they have any aphrodisiac properties outside of the power of suggestion.