Laura Smith
The honey mushroom in Oregon, scientifically known as Armillaria ostoyae, is not just big—it's huge. In fact, it's the largest single living organism on Earth. Dubbed the Humongous Fungus by scientists, it covers an area of 3.5 square miles (9.1 km2) in the Malheur National Forest in the Strawberry Mountains of eastern Oregon. That's a lot of ground covered by a single organism! But how did it get so big? Well, this particular fungus is a sneaky parasite, spreading underground through root structures and inserting itself into the very body of the tree, sucking the life out of it.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Honey Mushroom is the largest single living organism on Earth
The Honey Mushroom, or Armillaria ostoyae, is a species of pathogenic fungus. It is commonly known as the "Humongous Fungus" and has earned its name. This enormous organism is located in the Blue Mountains within the Malheur National Forest in Eastern Oregon. It is the largest single living organism on Earth, covering an area of 3.5 square miles (9.1 km2) or 2,200 acres.
The Honey Mushroom is not easily spotted, as it remains underground for most of the year. It only becomes visible when it reproduces, growing mushroom caps in the fall. These caps are the amber-coloured fruit from which the fungus gets its name. The Honey Mushroom is parasitic, spreading its filaments through the root structure of the forest and inserting itself into the trees. It survives by digesting living tree roots, and while this is good news for the fungus, it is bad news for the trees. The Honey Mushroom has been wiping out many trees in its path, but it is estimated to have survived in the same spot for nearly 10,000 years.
The enormous size of the Honey Mushroom is due to its ability to spread underground through black rhizomorphs, or "shoestrings". These long black filaments of fungal tissue grow under the soil and infest trees, allowing the fungus to spread over great distances. The stable environment of the forest has also enabled the fungus to grow to such a large size. The Honey Mushroom is estimated to weigh at least 7,500 tons and maybe up to 35,000 tons, which is the equivalent of more than 20 blue whales.
The discovery of the Honey Mushroom in Oregon was the result of a worldwide search for instances of humongous fungus. This search was sparked by the finding of a large Armillaria bulbosa organism in Michigan in 1992. The Oregon Honey Mushroom was first noticed by Greg Whipple, who estimated its size to be 400 acres in 1988. Extensive DNA testing has since proven that the Honey Mushroom is, in fact, the largest single living organism in the world.
Mushrooms and Campylobacter: A Dangerous Duo?
You may want to see also
It is also known as the Shoestring Fungus
The Honey Mushroom in Oregon, officially known as Armillaria ostoyae, is also commonly referred to as the Shoestring Fungus. This nickname comes from the long, thin, black strands called rhizomorphs that spread through the soil, infecting and killing tree roots. These rhizomorphs are also known as "shoestrings" due to their resemblance to shoelaces.
The Shoestring Fungus is a pathogenic species of fungus in the family Physalacriaceae. It causes Armillaria root rot, a disease that infects the roots and lower stems of both hardwoods and conifers. The disease gets its name from the characteristic brown or black stringy rhizomorphs produced by the fungus, which cause destructive rot in the roots of trees.
Armillaria root rot is often a secondary disease of stressed trees, but it can occasionally attack healthy trees as well. The fungus spreads through the soil and invades the sapwood of trees, disseminating over great distances under the bark or between trees in the form of rhizomorphs. The bulk of the organism is not visible from the surface, as it grows primarily underground.
In the autumn, the subterranean parts of the organism bloom honey mushrooms as surface fruits. These mushrooms are typically golden-yellow in colour and are considered edible, although they can cause stomach distress for some individuals and should be well-cooked before consumption. The Honey Mushroom is likely the world's oldest organism, estimated to be between 2,400 and 8,650 years old.
Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms: The Perfect Sandwich Topping
You may want to see also
It is located in the Blue Mountains in the Malheur National Forest
The Honey Mushroom, or Armillaria ostoyae, is located in the Blue Mountains in the Malheur National Forest in eastern Oregon. It is a pathogenic species of fungus in the family Physalacriaceae. It was first discovered in 1992 by biologist James Anderson and his colleagues, who found that an occurrence of Armillaria bulbosa in a Michigan hardwood forest was a single organism covering 37 acres. This discovery sparked a worldwide search for other instances of humongous fungi, leading to the Oregon discovery.
The Honey Mushroom is the largest fungal colony in the world, spanning an area of 3.5 square miles (2,200 acres or 9.1 square kilometres). It is estimated to be between 2,400 and 8,650 years old and may weigh up to 35,000 tons—the equivalent of more than 20 blue whales. The Honey Mushroom is a parasite, invading the sapwood of trees and disseminating over great distances under the bark or between trees in the form of black rhizomorphs or "shoestrings".
The Honey Mushroom is not always visible, as it grows underground and in the roots and bark of infested trees for most of the year. In the autumn, it fruits, producing the honey mushrooms that give it its name. These mushrooms are the reproductive organs of the fungus and are the only part of the fungus that typically appears above ground. The mushrooms have cream-brown colours, prominent cap scales, and well-developed rings. They are considered edible but can cause stomach distress for some and should be well-cooked before eating.
The Honey Mushroom is a threat to the trees in the forest, sucking the life out of them and causing them to die slowly. Efforts have been made to save the forest from being ravaged by the fungus, but it has survived in about the same spot for nearly 10,000 years, feeding on the trees and continuing to grow.
Explore the Magic of Dried Polish Mushrooms
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is estimated to be between 2,400 and 8,650 years old
The honey mushroom in Oregon, scientifically known as Armillaria ostoyae, is estimated to be between 2,400 and 8,650 years old. This estimate suggests that the honey mushroom may have survived in the same spot for nearly a millennium. This longevity is attributed to its ability to survive by digesting living tree roots, which provides the necessary sustenance for its longevity and massive growth.
The honey mushroom is not only known for its advanced age but also for its impressive size. It is considered the largest fungal colony in the world, spanning an area of 3.5 square miles or 9.1 square kilometres. This vast expanse comprises approximately 2,200 acres or 910 hectares of land. The sheer size of this fungal colony is equivalent to the area of over 250 semitrucks, yet it often remains hidden underground, making it a formidable yet elusive presence in the Oregon forest.
The honey mushroom derives its common name from the distinctive amber-coloured fruit that emerges during the fall season. This seasonal display offers a glimpse into the lifecycle of the fungus, as the golden mushroom caps that appear above ground are the reproductive organs, known as the fruiting bodies. While most mushrooms are solitary in their growth, the honey mushroom often grows in clumps out of the base of infested trees, showcasing its parasitic nature.
The Armillaria ostoyae species is a pathogenic fungus that invades the sapwood of trees and disseminates through black rhizomorphs or "shoestrings". This ability to spread undetected under the bark or between trees contributes to its insidious reputation. The honey mushroom is a formidable adversary to the trees in its path, as it sucks the life out of them, leading to their eventual demise. The stable environment and expansive forest of Oregon have provided the ideal conditions for the honey mushroom to thrive and attain its remarkable age and size.
The discovery of the honey mushroom in Oregon was part of a worldwide search for instances of humongous fungi. This search was sparked by the finding of a different species, Armillaria bulbosa, in northern Michigan, which comprised a single organism covering 37 acres. The Oregon honey mushroom, with its advanced age and massive size, stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of fungal organisms, offering valuable insights into the unique characteristics and challenges posed by these organisms in forest ecosystems.
Shiitake's AHCC: The Ultimate Immune-Boosting Power
You may want to see also
It is a pathogenic species of fungus
The honey mushroom in Oregon, scientifically known as Armillaria ostoyae, is a pathogenic species of fungus. It is also known as the "Humongous Fungus" and is located in the Blue Mountains within the Malheur National Forest in Eastern Oregon. This enormous organism is estimated to be around 2,400 to 8,650 years old, making it possibly the world's oldest organism. It has a total mass of at least 7,500 tons and may weigh up to 35,000 tons, which is equivalent to the weight of more than 20 blue whales.
Armillaria ostoyae is a member of the Physalacriaceae family and is characterised by its decurrent gills and a ring on the stipe. The pathogenic nature of this fungus lies in its ability to invade the sapwood of trees and disseminate over vast distances under the bark or between trees. This dissemination occurs in the form of black rhizomorphs, also known as "shoestrings". The fungus grows and spreads primarily underground, making it largely invisible from the surface. However, during the autumn season, it bears fruit in the form of honey mushrooms, which appear as surface clumps.
The honey mushroom is indeed pathogenic to plants, causing Armillaria root rot in many plant species. It is often identified by the presence of honey-coloured mushrooms at the base of infected plants, along with white, fan-shaped mycelia and black rhizomorphs. The symptoms of infection include discoloured foliage, reduced growth, dieback of branches, and eventual tree death. The fungus spreads through these rhizomorphs, which can grow up to one meter per year. Armillaria ostoyae is particularly adept at spreading due to its ability to grow underground and infect trees through their root systems.
Honey mushrooms themselves are considered edible and are even regarded as a delicacy in some parts of the world. However, thorough cooking is necessary to avoid any adverse effects. Raw honey mushrooms are mildly poisonous and can cause sickness when consumed with alcohol. Additionally, some people may experience stomach distress after consuming them, even when they are cooked. Nevertheless, honey mushrooms are prized for their distinctive flavour and are considered a valuable source of antioxidants, offering potential therapeutic benefits for various chronic conditions.
In summary, the honey mushroom in Oregon, Armillaria ostoyae, is indeed a pathogenic species of fungus. Its pathogenicity lies in its ability to infect and spread among trees, causing Armillaria root rot and eventually leading to tree death. While the fungus poses a threat to plant life, the resulting honey mushrooms have their own unique culinary and medicinal value.
Mushroom Toxin: A Viral Concern?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The honey mushroom in Oregon, also known as the Humongous Fungus, covers an area of 3.5 square miles. It is estimated to weigh 7,500 tons, and possibly up to 35,000 tons.
The honey mushroom is located in the Blue Mountains within the Malheur National Forest in Eastern Oregon.
The scientific name of the honey mushroom is Armillaria ostoyae.
