Michael Davis
Giant mushrooms are not only dangerous but also deadly. The giant puffball, for example, is edible when young, but it can cause digestive issues if consumed when its spores have begun to form. The Armillaria ostoyae, also known as the honey mushroom, is another example of a giant mushroom species. Covering nearly four square miles (9.7 square kilometers) in Oregon's Blue Mountains, this sprawling fungus was deemed the world's largest known organism in 1998. While giant mushrooms may no longer rule the Earth as they once did, with some towering over 20 feet tall, they still pose a threat to humans and animals alike.
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What You'll Learn
Giant mushrooms are the largest organisms on Earth
Giant mushrooms, specifically those in the Armillaria genus, are the largest organisms on Earth. Dubbed the "humongous fungus", this colony of fungal clones was discovered in Oregon's Blue Mountains in 1998 and occupies a staggering 2,384 to 2,385 acres (965 to 970 hectares) of soil. To put that into perspective, this giant mushroom would cover 1,665 football fields or nearly four square miles (10 square kilometers) of land.
The Armillaria ostoyae, also known as the honey mushroom, is a pathogenic species of fungus commonly found in the cooler regions of the northern hemisphere. While it can be distinguished by its cream-brown colours, prominent cap scales, and a well-developed ring, the bulk of the organism is hidden underground. This particular giant mushroom was estimated to be 2,400 years old, but it could be as ancient as 8,650 years, making it one of the oldest living organisms as well.
The discovery of this giant fungus sparked a debate about what defines an individual organism. By some definitions, the millions of interconnected and genetically identical clones that make up the Armillaria ostoyae can be considered a single organism. This definition also includes other huge organisms like the blue whale and a 6,615-ton colony of a male quaking aspen tree and his clones in Utah.
While giant mushrooms like the Armillaria ostoyae are impressive in size, other giant mushrooms like the Calvatia gigantea, or giant puffball, are notable for the vast number of spores they contain. Each giant puffball can contain several trillion spores, and they are commonly found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests in the late summer and autumn. Unlike edible puffballs, which must be pure white inside, the giant puffball turns yellowish or greenish-brown and can cause digestive issues.
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Giant mushrooms can be dangerous if their spores have begun to form
Giant mushrooms, such as the honey mushroom or the giant puffball, can be dangerous if their spores have begun to form. The spores of giant mushrooms can cause digestive issues and other health problems if ingested. For example, the giant puffball mushroom, or Calvatia gigantea, is edible when young and its flesh is pure white. However, if the spores have started to form, the flesh turns yellowish or greenish-brown, and consuming the mushroom at this stage can lead to digestive problems.
It is important to distinguish between edible and poisonous giant mushrooms, as many similar-looking species are toxic or even deadly. For instance, the poisonous earthball (Scleroderma citrinum) closely resembles the giant puffball but can be distinguished by its firmer, elastic fruiting body and dark purplish-black interior with white reticulation in the early stages of development.
Additionally, some giant mushrooms, like the honey mushroom (Armillaria ostoyae), can pose a threat to the environment. This particular species is considered pathogenic and is known to cause root disease in host coniferous trees in the forests of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. The fungus reproduces sexually, and its spores are dispersed by the wind or through animal contact. Once the spores find a suitable environment, they germinate and grow into a mature mushroom, spreading its spores to start a new generation.
The size and spread of giant mushrooms can also be concerning. The honey mushroom in Oregon's Blue Mountains covers nearly four square miles, and its individual caps are genetically identical, allowing them to merge and form a massive network. This extensive growth demonstrates the ability of giant mushrooms to colonize vast areas, impacting the ecosystem and potentially affecting other plant life. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious around giant mushrooms, especially when their spores have started to form, as they can have adverse effects on both human health and the environment.
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Giant mushrooms are found in meadows, fields, and forests
Giant mushrooms can be dangerous, with some varieties being poisonous or even deadly. However, some giant mushrooms, such as the giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea), are edible when young. This variety is commonly found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests in late summer and autumn. It is also known as a "stomach fungus" because the fertile material develops inside spherical or pear-shaped fruit bodies. Large specimens of the giant puffball can contain several trillion spores, which are yellowish, smooth, and 3–5 μm in size. While the giant puffball is edible when young, consuming it after the spores have begun to form can cause digestive issues. To avoid this, look for a pure white interior; if the flesh is yellowish or greenish-brown, the mushroom is no longer safe to eat.
Another giant mushroom species found in meadows, fields, and forests is the Armillaria ostoyae, also known as the honey mushroom. This species was discovered in Oregon's Blue Mountains in 1998 and is believed to be the world's largest known organism. The colony of fungal clones covers approximately 2,384 acres (965 hectares) of soil, equivalent to nearly four square miles (10 square kilometers) or 1,665 football fields. The Armillaria ostoyae is also found in the forests of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, as well as in parts of Asia.
In addition to these species, giant mushrooms have a long history on Earth. Fossils from over 400 million years ago reveal the presence of a fungus called Prototaxites, which towered more than 24 feet (8 meters) over most land plants of the Silurian Period and was up to 3 feet (1 meter) wide. This giant fungus was discovered in Saudi Arabia and puzzled paleontologists for 130 years before its true identity was revealed.
While giant mushrooms can be dangerous if consumed without proper knowledge and caution, they also hold significance in various aspects. Some, like the giant puffball, have been used as a styptic for wound dressing in powdered form or as slices. Additionally, the discovery of giant mushrooms, such as the Armillaria ostoyae, has provided valuable insights into the world of mycology and the behavior of fungal organisms.
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Giant mushrooms are a colony of fungal clones
Giant mushrooms, such as the Armillaria ostoyae, discovered in Oregon's Blue Mountains, are considered a colony of fungal clones. This particular species of fungus covers a staggering area of 2,384 acres (965 hectares) and is believed to be the largest known organism in the world, surpassing the blue whale. Each individual cap of the Armillaria ostoyae is genetically identical to the others, and they have the unique ability to merge together even when placed next to each other from distant locations.
The concept of considering giant mushrooms as a single organism has sparked interesting debates. While each mushroom cap can survive independently, the comparison to bee colonies, viewed as a single entity, strengthens the argument for fungal clones being one organism. The Blue Mountain honey mushroom, a variety of Armillaria, showcases this interconnectedness, as the genetically identical mushrooms communicate and share resources through their rhizomorphs.
The discovery of massive fungi, such as the Armillaria bulbosa, weighing over 100 tons and estimated to be 1,500 years old, highlights the potential magnitude and longevity of these organisms. The Armillaria ostoyae, with its estimated age of 2,400 to 8,650 years, further emphasizes the longevity of these fungal clones. These discoveries challenge our understanding of what constitutes an organism, especially when dealing with plants and fungal colonies.
Giant mushrooms, beyond their fascinating size and clone-like nature, also have practical applications. For example, the giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea) is edible when young and has been used as a styptic for wound dressing. However, consuming it when the spores have started to form can cause digestive issues. The giant puffball can be distinguished from other similar-looking fungi by its solid white interior, lacking gills or imperfections.
In conclusion, giant mushrooms, exemplified by the Armillaria ostoyae, are indeed a colony of fungal clones. Their massive size, longevity, and interconnectedness challenge our understanding of organisms, and their discovery continues to intrigue and fascinate scientists and mycologists alike.
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Giant mushrooms are known as honey mushrooms
Giant mushrooms, specifically those in the Armillaria genus, are known as honey mushrooms. They are given this name because they produce yellow-capped and sweet-tasting fruiting bodies. Honey mushrooms are considered a delicacy in several European countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Poland, and Germany, where they are prized above morels and chanterelles. However, they must be thoroughly cooked as they are mildly poisonous when raw. It is recommended to refrain from consuming alcohol for 12 hours before and 24 hours after eating honey mushrooms to avoid any possible nausea and vomiting.
Honey mushrooms are notable not only for their size but also for their longevity. A giant honey mushroom (Armillaria ostoyae) discovered in Oregon's Blue Mountains in 1998 spans 2,384 acres (965 hectares) and is estimated to be 2,400 years old, with the possibility of being as ancient as 8,650 years old. This particular specimen is considered the world's largest known organism, surpassing the giant blue whale in size and weight.
Another notable example of a giant honey mushroom colony is found in Michigan, covering 91 acres (0.37 square kilometers) and weighing approximately 440 tons. This specimen, known as Armillaria gallica, was discovered in 1992 and is celebrated annually at a "fungus fest" in Crystal Falls, Michigan.
Honey mushrooms are parasitic fungi that reproduce sexually through spores. They are pathogenic organisms that affect trees, shrubs, and woody climbers, causing root disease problems. The subterranean parts of the organism bloom in the autumn, and the lack of competition for land and nutrients allows them to grow to enormous sizes. Honey mushrooms can be identified by the presence of thin sheets of cream-colored mycelium under the bark at the base of the infected plant, as well as a strong mushroom scent.
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Frequently asked questions
Some giant mushrooms are dangerous, while others are edible. The giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea) is edible when young, but can cause digestive issues if consumed when its spores have begun to form—which can be identified by yellowish or greenish-brown flesh. The Armillaria ostoyae, also known as the honey mushroom, is pathogenic and covers 2,384 acres of soil in Oregon's Blue Mountains. However, some giant mushrooms, such as the Armillaria gallica, are more benign in nature.
Consuming certain giant mushrooms can lead to digestive issues and, in some cases, can be poisonous or even deadly. It is important to properly identify mushrooms before consuming them, as some poisonous mushrooms may resemble edible ones. For example, immature gilled species contained within their universal veil can look similar to puffballs, but many of these species are poisonous. To distinguish puffballs from poisonous fungi, they must be cut open; edible puffballs will have a solid white interior with no gills or other imperfections.
To safely consume giant mushrooms, it is important to identify the specific type of mushroom and understand its edibility. Some mushrooms, like the giant puffball, are edible only when young and turn poisonous as they mature. Proper identification techniques can help distinguish edible mushrooms from poisonous ones. Additionally, cooking or preparing mushrooms appropriately can also impact their safety for consumption.
