MUSHROOM of the WEEK-------The Honey Mushroom (Armillaria - TopicsExpress

MUSHROOM of the WEEK-------The Honey Mushroom (Armillaria mellea) Armillaria mellea (first two photos) is a parasite on hardwoods (occasionally conifers) which causes white rot. It generally grows at the base of trees or from the roots. It spreads by black cords called rhizomorphs. Unlike many parasites, it has no interest in keeping its host alive, since it also is saprobic, i.e., can live on dead wood as well. A. mellea generally grows in dense clumps at the base of, or on the ground near its host tree. The cap color varies, but is some shade of ochre, tawny brown, yellow-brown and commonly has olivaceous tints. The cap surface is scaly, especially towards the center and when the mushroom is young. The gills are whitish when young, then turn yellowish and somewhat reddish. The stem tapers towards the base, is fibrous and tough, and generally is paler at the apex. It has a well-defined ring. The spore print is WHITE. Two other Honeys are common in this area: Armillaria tabescens (The Ringless Honey- third photo), has a similar appearance, but may be somewhat smaller and lacks a ring on the stem. Armillaria gallica (third, fourth and fifth photos) generally has a tawny brown cap, a bulbous base and a cottony ring on the stem. It also commonly has partial veil remnants at the rim margin. Note the last photo is a very young specimen with well-defined scales (these will become much less prominent with age.