Laura Smith
The world's largest known organism is not a blue whale or a giant tree, but a fungus. Dubbed the Humongous Fungus, this giant mushroom in Oregon's Blue Mountains covers an area of 2,384 acres (965 hectares) or 3.5 square miles (9.1 square kilometres). It weighs a staggering 35,000 tons, which is the equivalent of 200 gray whales. This particular fungus, Armillaria ostoyae, is also known as the honey mushroom and is a pathogenic species that spreads underground, killing trees. It is estimated to be between 2,000 and 8,650 years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms on Earth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Humongous Fungus |
| Species Name | Armillaria ostoyae |
| Synonym | A. solidipes |
| Common Mushroom Name | Honey Mushroom |
| Genus | Armillaria |
| Family | Physalacriaceae |
| Habitat | Forests, underground |
| Location | Oregon, Michigan, Germany, Washington, Utah |
| Size | 2,384 acres (965 hectares) or 3.5 square miles (9.1 sq km) or 2,200 acres (910 hectares) |
| Age | 2,400-8,600 years or 2,000-8,000 years or 2,500 years or 8,000 years |
| Weight | 7,500-35,000 tons |
| Threat to Trees | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- The world's largest mushroom, Armillaria ostoyae, covers 2,200 acres in Oregon
- Armillaria ostoyae is a pathogenic species of fungus that kills trees
- The honey mushroom is a common name for all fungi in the Armillaria genus
- The oldest living organism, Armillaria ostoyae, is estimated to be 8,000 years old
- The humongous fungus is a vital decomposer in the forest ecosystem
The world's largest mushroom, Armillaria ostoyae, covers 2,200 acres in Oregon
In the Blue Mountains of Oregon, there lives a giant mushroom dubbed the Humongous Fungus, which is possibly the largest, oldest, and heaviest living thing on Earth. This mushroom, Armillaria ostoyae, covers 2,200 acres in Oregon and is also known as the "shoestring fungus" for the long, thin, black strands called rhizomorphs that spread through the soil, infecting and killing tree roots. The rhizomorphs, or "shoestrings", are flat, shoestring-like structures that bridge gaps between food sources and expand the fungus's perimeter. Armillaria ostoyae is a member of the Armillaria genus, whose members are known as honey mushrooms for the yellow-capped and sweet fruiting bodies they produce.
The Humongous Fungus is not the first mushroom to be called the "humongous fungus", and it is likely that somewhere out there, there is an even larger fungus than the current title holder. The Armillaria ostoyae in Oregon was first estimated to cover 400 acres in 1988, but it has since grown to cover more than 3 square miles. The enormous mushroom that's slowly consuming thousands of trees in the mountains a few miles east of Prairie City (population: 800) could be anywhere between 2,400 and 8,600 years old, which would make it twice as old as Stonehenge.
The Armillaria ostoyae is a pathogenic fungus that grows along tree roots via hyphae, fine filaments that mat together and excrete digestive enzymes. The fungus colonizes, kills, and feeds off the root systems of both coniferous and hardwood trees. Armillaria root disease occurs in forests worldwide, and in North America, it is particularly prevalent in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. The fungus grows under the bark of trees, rotting their roots and preventing the movement of water and nutrients.
The enormous size of the Armillaria ostoyae in Oregon may be due to a combination of good genes and a stable environment. The Forest Service publication dedicated to the fungus speculates that "Armillaria may have effectively spread in historic forests of large trees that were less-densely stocked, and composed of species less susceptible to root disease." The weight of this mainly subterranean monster fungus could be as low as a few thousand, and as high as 35,000 tons, which is the weight of more than 200 gray whales.
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Armillaria ostoyae is a pathogenic species of fungus that kills trees
The Armillaria ostoyae is a pathogenic species of fungus that kills trees. It is commonly known as the honey mushroom, for the yellow-capped and sweet fruiting bodies it produces. It is a set of genetically identical cells that communicate, coordinate, and share a common purpose. It is a slow-moving, parasitic fungus that grows along tree roots via hyphae, fine filaments that mat together and excrete digestive enzymes. It has the unique ability to extend rhizomorphs, flat shoestring-like structures that bridge gaps between food sources and expand the fungus's perimeter. Armillaria ostoyae is found in the cooler regions of the northern hemisphere, particularly in North America, where it is found on host coniferous trees. It is widespread in Europe, occurring in most places with woody vegetation, including forests, tree plantations, parks, orchards, gardens, and vineyards.
Armillaria ostoyae is a significant cause of root rot in trees, leading to tree decline and death. The fungus infects trees through their roots and spreads up under the bark, rotting the roots and disrupting the movement of water and nutrients within the tree. This infection process results in canopy gaps and a more diverse stand structure, as resistant or non-host trees, shrubs, and forbs become established from the infection centre outward. Armillaria root disease is challenging to control, and management strategies have had limited success. The pathogenicity of Armillaria ostoyae differs among trees of varying ages, locations, and species, with younger conifer trees being more susceptible to infection and mortality.
One well-known example of Armillaria ostoyae is the Humongous Fungus in Oregon's Blue Mountains, believed to be the largest, oldest, and heaviest living thing on Earth. This giant mushroom covers approximately 2,384 acres (965 hectares) of soil and is estimated to be between 2,400 and 8,650 years old. It was first discovered in 1998 and is still growing, consuming thousands of trees in the mountains. Another notable specimen of Armillaria ostoyae was found in northern Michigan, originating from spores of a parent fungus in Ontario, Canada, and growing over millennia into a mass of 440 tons.
To treat Armillaria ostoyae infections, foresters often clear-cut infected areas and plant tree species that are more resistant to the fungus, such as Western redcedar and deciduous species. Removing diseased stumps and trees by pushing them out with a bulldozer is another control method, as exposure to air dries and kills the fungus. While these treatments can be effective, Armillaria ostoyae is a resilient organism that can survive for at least 35 years on a site, even after the death of its host trees.
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The honey mushroom is a common name for all fungi in the Armillaria genus
The most famous example of a honey mushroom is the Humongous Fungus found in Oregon's Blue Mountains, which is possibly the largest, oldest, and heaviest living thing on Earth. This particular fungus covers an area of about 2,384 acres (965 hectares) or nearly four square miles (10 square kilometers). Based on its growth rate, it is estimated to be between 2,400 and 8,650 years old. The Humongous Fungus is not the only giant Armillaria ostoyae; in 1992, a specimen was discovered in southwestern Washington state that covered 607 hectares (1,500 acres). Another notable example is the honey mushroom found in Michigan, which covered 15 hectares (37 acres) and was estimated to be at least 1,500 years old.
Honey mushrooms typically have yellow caps and produce sweet-tasting fruiting bodies. They are generally considered edible when thoroughly cooked, although some people have reported poisoning after consuming them. Therefore, it is advisable to eat only a small portion initially to ensure you do not have any adverse reactions. Honey mushrooms are not just found in Oregon; they also exist in other places like Michigan and Germany. However, the Oregon specimen is the largest ever measured.
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The oldest living organism, Armillaria ostoyae, is estimated to be 8,000 years old
The Armillaria ostoyae, also known as the Humongous Fungus, is a mushroom species that is estimated to be 8,000 years old. This estimate is based on the growth rate of the fungus, which is believed to spread slowly at a rate of 0.7 to 3.3 feet per year, or up to three feet per year by another source. This enormous mushroom, located in Oregon's Blue Mountains, covers approximately 2,384 acres (965 hectares) of soil, which is equivalent to 1,665 football fields or nearly four square miles (10 square kilometers). It holds the record for the world's largest known organism, surpassing the previous record holder, the 110-foot-long, 200-ton blue whale.
The Armillaria ostoyae is a pathogenic species of fungus in the family Physalacriaceae. It is characterised by decurrent gills, a well-developed ring on the stem, and the ability to display bioluminescence in the mycelium, resulting in foxfire. This fungus primarily grows along tree roots through hyphae, fine filaments that mat together and produce digestive enzymes. However, Armillaria ostoyae has a unique ability to form rhizomorphs, flat shoestring-like structures that bridge gaps between food sources and enable the fungus to expand its reach.
The Humongous Fungus is not the only giant fungus of its kind. In fact, it is one of five individual non-contiguous and genetically distinct occurrences of Armillaria ostoyae in the Malheur National Forest, with each fungus being considered a "genet," a genetically unique entity. The four other giant fungi, labelled A, B, C, and E, surround the largest fungus, labelled D. These fungi belong to the same species, Armillaria ostoyae, which is known for its seasonal sprouting of honey mushrooms.
The Armillaria ostoyae is a parasitic fungus, infecting and killing tree roots and feeding off their root systems. It is often found in coniferous and hardwood trees, and its presence results in Armillaria root disease, which is seen in forests worldwide. While it is particularly prevalent in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, it can also be found in other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia.
The enormous size of the Armillaria ostoyae in Oregon's Malheur National Forest may be due to several factors. One theory suggests that the fungus effectively spread in historic forests with large trees that were less densely stocked and had species less susceptible to root disease. The combination of good genes and a stable environment has likely contributed to its longevity and size.
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The humongous fungus is a vital decomposer in the forest ecosystem
The humongous fungus, a giant mushroom found in Oregon's Blue Mountains, is possibly the largest, oldest, and heaviest living thing on Earth. Covering an area of 2,384 acres (965 hectares) or 1,665 football fields, it is believed to be anywhere between 2,400 and 8,600 years old. But beyond its impressive size and age, the humongous fungus is also a vital decomposer in the forest ecosystem.
As a decomposer, the humongous fungus breaks down wood and other organic materials, returning valuable nutrients to the soil and making them available for other species. This process of decomposition and recycling is crucial for maintaining the health of forest ecosystems. The fungus releases scarce yet biologically essential elements, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from decaying matter, supporting the growth of trees and other plants. Without decomposers like the humongous fungus, forest ecosystems would struggle to thrive.
The humongous fungus, scientifically known as Armillaria ostoyae, is a member of the Armillaria genus, commonly known as honey mushrooms. Unlike the typical mushroom with a cap and gills, this fungus primarily grows underground, sending out black fibers that spread through interconnected tree roots. This parasitic behavior allows it to kill and rot trees, recycling them back into the soil. Despite its destructive nature, the humongous fungus plays a vital role in the forest ecosystem, providing nutrients that support the entire forest community, from large trees to small creatures.
The unique ability of Armillaria fungi to extend rhizomorphs, flat shoestring-like structures, enables them to bridge gaps between food sources and expand their reach. This adaptability, combined with a stable environment, has allowed the humongous fungus to thrive and grow over millennia. The study of this fungus and its ability to grow and spread is crucial for understanding its role in maintaining forest health and combating environmental threats, such as fire suppression.
While the humongous fungus in Oregon stands out for its record-breaking size, similar giant fungi are found in other parts of the world, such as Fishlake National Forest in Utah. These fungal colonies demonstrate the remarkable ability of fungi to occupy and thrive in diverse environments, contributing to the sustainability and balance of ecosystems worldwide. The discovery and ongoing research of the humongous fungus and its counterparts shed light on the vital yet often overlooked role of fungi in nature's intricate web of life.
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Frequently asked questions
The existence of humongous mushrooms can be attributed to several factors, including the ability of fungi to clone themselves, their extensive root systems, and the availability of nutrients. Fungi, like the Armillaria ostoyae species, can spread and grow through cloning, resulting in genetically identical organisms that collectively form a single massive fungus.
The record-holder for the largest known individual fungus in the world, nicknamed "Genet D" or the "Humongous Fungus," is located in Oregon's Blue Mountains, specifically in the Malheur National Forest.
The size of these mushrooms is truly astonishing. The "Humongous Fungus" in Oregon covers an area of 2,200 to 2,385 acres, which is roughly the size of 1,665 football fields or four square miles. It is estimated to weigh 7,500 to 35,000 tons, equivalent to the weight of more than 200 gray whales.
The age of these mushrooms is just as impressive as their size. The Oregon "Humongous Fungus" is estimated to be anywhere from 2,000 to 8,650 years old, placing it among the oldest living organisms on Earth.
Yes, the first "humongous fungus" discovered in 1992 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, specifically in Crystal Falls, is worth mentioning. This Armillaria gallica fungus covers 37 acres, weighs 100 metric tons, and is around 1,500 to 2,500 years old. It is celebrated annually at the "Fungus Fest" in Crystal Falls.
