Sarah Brown
Armillaria is a genus of parasitic fungi that are found in forests throughout northern North America and Europe. Armillaria species produce mushrooms, commonly known as honey mushrooms, which grow in clumps out of the base of infected trees. The mushrooms have gills that glow in the dark and are typically honey-coloured, although they can also be white to golden. They are considered edible but must be thoroughly cooked as they are mildly poisonous when raw.
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What You'll Learn
Armillaria is a genus of parasitic fungi
Armillaria species are long-lived and form some of the largest living fungi in the world. The largest known organism, of the species A. ostoyae, covers more than 3.4 square miles (8.8 km2) in Oregon's Malheur National Forest and is estimated to be 2,500 years old. Armillaria bulbosa, another species, was found to cover 37 acres in a hardwood forest in northern Michigan.
From late summer to autumn, Armillaria species produce mushrooms, or fruiting bodies, with notched gills and a single or double ring near the base of the cap. The colour of the mushrooms ranges from white to golden, and they are typically found on the ground or growing directly on wood. The mushrooms are bioluminescent, emitting a greenish light that is usually too weak to be seen by the human eye in a normal woodland environment.
Honey mushrooms, which are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, are produced by several Armillaria species, including A. mellea and A. ostoyae. However, they must be thoroughly cooked as they are mildly poisonous when raw and can cause stomach distress for some individuals.
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Armillaria mellea is commonly known as honey fungus
Armillaria mellea, commonly known as honey fungus, is a parasitic fungus that infects trees and other plants. It is a member of the Armillaria genus, which includes around 35 species of parasitic fungi found in forests across northern North America and Europe. Armillaria mellea is particularly associated with hardwood trees and conifers, including orchards, planted forests, and vineyards.
The fungus infects its host plants through rhizomorphs and basidiospores. Rhizomorphs are thread-like structures that can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) long in search of new hosts. Basidiospores, on the other hand, are produced by the mushrooms that Armillaria mellea forms and are dispersed by the wind. However, infection of living tissue through basidiospores is rare. Armillaria mellea typically produces mushrooms with notched gills, a ring near the cap base, and a white to golden colour. These mushrooms are often found at the base of infected trees and are known for their ability to bioluminesce, emitting a ghostly greenish light.
Armillaria mellea is considered edible and is prized as a delicacy in some parts of Europe, although it must be thoroughly cooked as it can cause stomach distress when consumed raw. It is also known as honey mushroom, stump mushroom, stumpie, pipinky, or pinky. The specific epithet "mellea" means "of honey", referring to the honey-like appearance of the mushroom caps rather than their flavour.
To prevent the spread of Armillaria mellea, it is recommended to regulate irrigation, keep the root collar dry, control defoliating pathogens, remove stumps, and avoid physical root damage, among other measures. The fungus Trichoderma, which is a predator of Armillaria mellea, can also be used as a biological control method.
Armillaria mellea is a well-known species of honey fungus, but it is important to note that the group formerly called Honey Fungus has since been recognised as comprising several distinct Armillaria species.
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Armillaria produces mushrooms that grow on wood
Armillaria is a genus of about 35 species of parasitic fungi commonly found in forests throughout northern North America and Europe. Armillaria is also known as honey fungus, and it is a plant pathogen that causes Armillaria root rot in many plant species. It infects its host species by means of rhizomorphs and basidiospores. The rhizomorphs are thread-like filaments of cells that aggregate to form long, cord-like bundles, which can grow up to 10 feet long in search of new hosts to infect. The basidiospores, on the other hand, rarely infect new hosts and often colonize woody debris instead.
The honey fungus mushrooms produced by Armillaria are widely distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They typically grow on hardwoods but may also be found on other living and dead wood or in open areas. The mushrooms are bioluminescent, emitting a ghostly greenish light that is usually too weak to be seen by the human eye in a normal woodland environment. However, they can sometimes be observed by sitting close to the mushrooms in total darkness and allowing one's eyes to adjust to the dark.
The honey fungus mushrooms are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, particularly in Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Germany, and other European countries, where they are ranked above morels and chanterelles. However, they must be thoroughly cooked as they are mildly poisonous when raw. Additionally, they should not be consumed with alcohol, as this can cause nausea and vomiting.
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Armillaria root rot affects many plant species
Armillaria is a genus of about 35 species of parasitic fungi found in forests throughout northern North America and Europe. Several species cause root rot in trees and shrubs, and some specimens are among the largest and oldest living organisms. Armillaria root rot is caused by several species of the fungus Armillaria. The disease can occur in many different evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. Armillaria can survive for many years in wood debris, such as old stumps or root systems. New infections occur when healthy roots grow close to diseased roots.
Black shoestring-like strands of fungal growth, called rhizomorphs, can spread up to 10 feet from an infected tree or stump to infect healthy roots. Once inside, the fungus colonizes the roots and the base of the trunk, causing the wood to decay. A vigorous tree can often slow the growth of the fungus, but stressed trees are usually damaged very quickly. The infection girdles the base of the trunk, causing the tree to fall over due to root loss. The weakened trunks often break.
In addition to its impact on trees, Armillaria root rot also affects many agronomic hosts, such as grapevines, berries, roses, stone fruits, rhododendron, and rosaceous plants. Infection in these hosts causes the death of the cambium and further decay of the xylem. Once infected, vines or stems from these plants can remain a potential source of inoculum for up to ten years and can infect neighbouring plants, often via rhizomorphs.
Armillaria root rot poses a serious threat to the timber industry as it affects nearly every cultivated species of hardwood and is challenging to remove once established. The ability to spread using rhizomorphs and mycelial contact allows the fungus to cover vast areas and infect numerous individuals. Armillaria is recognized as the largest living organism due to its clonal spreading method.
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Armillaria mushrooms are bioluminescent
Armillaria, commonly known as honey fungus, is a genus of about 35 species of parasitic fungi found in forests throughout northern North America and Europe. Several species of Armillaria cause root rot in trees and shrubs, and some specimens are among the largest and oldest living organisms. Armillaria mellea, the most common species, infects both through basidiospore and penetration of host species by rhizomorphs.
Armillaria mellea is widely distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It typically grows on hardwoods but can also be found on other living and dead wood or in open areas. The species produces mushrooms with notched gills, a ring near the cap base, and a colour ranging from white to golden. These mushrooms are considered edible but can cause stomach distress for some individuals, so thorough cooking is recommended.
In addition to Armillaria mellea, another notable bioluminescent mushroom is Omphalotus illudens, commonly known as Jack O' Lantern. This species is widespread throughout Britain, Ireland, and mainland Europe, although it is less commonly found in Scandinavia. Armillaria mushrooms, with their bioluminescent properties, contribute to the fascinating diversity of fungal species and play a significant role in the ecosystems they inhabit.
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Frequently asked questions
Armillaria is a genus of about 35 species of parasitic fungi found in forests throughout northern North America and Europe.
Armillaria is a genus of mushrooms, which are parasitic fungi. Armillaria mellea, commonly known as honey fungus, is an edible basidiomycete fungus in the Armillaria genus.
Armillaria produces mushrooms with notched gills, a ring near the cap base, and a white to golden colour. The caps are typically yellow-brown, somewhat sticky to touch when moist, and may range in shape depending on age.
Armillaria grows in forests throughout northern North America and Europe. Armillaria mellea typically infects hardwood trees and conifers, including orchards, planted forests, and vineyards.
