
Thursday 15 February
The World's Favourite Unloved Species 2018 - the Galapagos Racer
Kingdom | Fungi |
Phylum | Basidiomycota |
Class | Agaricomycetes |
Order | Agaricales |
Family | Physalacriaceae |
Genus | Armillaria (1) |
The honey mushroom (Armillaria ostoyae) is the largest living organism in the world, although only a small percentage of its growth is visible above ground (4). The fungus’s cap can vary between tan, yellow-brown and dark red, and is covered in darker fibrous scales, especially around the centre (2) (3) (5) (6). The stem is yellow and rounded at the base, gradually becoming red-brown towards the cap (3) (5). There is a white, cotton-like veil towards the top of the stem (2). The gills on the underside of the cap are white in young growth, becoming yellow then pink-brown as the fungus ages (3) (5).
The fruiting bodies of the honey mushroom can be found growing in large clusters, as well as alone (2) (3).
The honey mushroom is saprophytic and absorbs nutrients from soil and dead plant matter such as leaf litter or rotten wood (8). To do this, the honey mushroom uses an underground system of thick, brown, root-like hyphae, which permeate the food source and take up the nutrients (2) (6). This particular fungus is an effective decomposer of wood (2).
The fruiting body of the honey mushroom is mostly present above ground between July and November (3).
The honey mushroom is found worldwide in northern parts of North America, Europe and Asia (7).
The honey mushroom has yet to be classified by the IUCN.
There are not known to be any threats currently facing the honey mushroom.
There are not known to be any specific conservation measures currently in place for the honey mushroom.
Find out more about the honey mushroom:
Find out more about fungi:
This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk
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© Philippe Clement / naturepl.com
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Thursday 15 February
The World's Favourite Unloved Species 2018 - the Galapagos Racer
Thursday 01 February
Thursday 01 February