Armillariella mellea
Thomas Pruss
Honey Mushrooms are very
common in our area. They are usually found at the base of
deciduous
trees (loses leaves in Fall) or pine trees. They are also
found on stumps and old wood, and sometimes they are
parasites
on live trees
or shrubs. The cap
of this mushroom can grow up to four inches across. The cap
is oval and becomes convex (dented) when it gets older. It
is usually yellow or rusty-brown, sometimes with small black
hairs. The cap can be dry or
sticky to the touch. Under the cap, the
gills
of this mushroom are whitish, turning yellow and then
reddish as it gets older. The stalk
of a Honey Mushroom is up to six inches high and 3/4 inch
wide.
Copyright, Hiroshi Takahashi
Honey Mushrooms, like all
mushrooms are only a small part of the fungus.
The main body of the mushroom is called mycelium
and is hard to see. Mycelium can spread for miles, and
therefore are the world's largest organisms. Some Honey
Mushrooms are estimated to be over 400 years old. The mushroom part of the
fungus is like the flower on a larger plant. Its purpose is
to create spores
(like seeds) which will help the fungus spread to new
areas.
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Copyright, Fred Stevens
