Armillaria mellea - Опёнок осенний - Honey Mushroom

Armillaria mellea - Опёнок осенний - Honey Mushroom - Hallimasch 9/8/10—12/21/21

Armillaria mellea, commonly known as the Honey Mushroom or Hallimasch in German, is a medium to large-sized mushroom species belonging to the Physalacriaceae family. The cap of this fungus measures 3 to 15 cm in diameter, with a convex to flat shape and a smooth surface. The cap color ranges from yellowish-brown to dark brown, often with a slightly sticky texture when moist. The gills of Armillaria mellea are adnate to slightly decurrent (running down the stem) and white to cream in color. The stem is 6-15 cm tall and 0.5-2 cm thick, with a white to yellowish color, a fibrous texture, and a distinctive dark-colored ring near the top. Armillaria mellea can be found across North America, Europe, and Asia, primarily in deciduous and mixed forests. It grows in clusters around the bases of living or dead trees, particularly on hardwoods, from late summer to late autumn. The chemistry of Armillaria mellea is not well studied, but it is considered an edible mushroom when cooked, although some people may experience gastrointestinal upset. The mushroom contains a heat-sensitive toxin that is destroyed during cooking. The spores of Armillaria mellea are white, elliptical, and measure 7-9 x 5-6 micrometers. They are produced in basidia and are released into the environment for reproduction and dispersal. Armillaria mellea is not only notable for its edibility but also for its role as a plant pathogen. It causes a disease known as Armillaria root rot, which can lead to the decline and death of various tree species. The fungus spreads through underground structures called rhizomorphs, which resemble black shoelaces. Armillaria mellea has been observed to be bioluminescent, with the mycelium emitting a faint greenish light in dark conditions. This phenomenon, known as foxfire, has been observed in various other fungi as well.