Honey Mushrooms – 9/26/12

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 9/26/12

Observation Time: 2:05 p.m.

Observation Location: Near the train station tennis courts by Beaver Brook

Common Name: Honey Mushroom

Scientific Name: Armillaria mellea

Comments: Honey mushrooms are a plant pathogen and cause Armillaria root rot in many plant species. They appear around the base of trees they have infected. The symptoms of infection appear in the crowns of infected trees as discolored foliage, reduced growth, dieback of the branches and death. The mushrooms are edible but some people may be intolerant to them. This species is capable of producing light via bioluminescence in its mycelium.

Armillaria mellea is widely distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The fruit body or mushroom, commonly known as stump mushroom, stumpie, honey mushroom, pipinky or pinky, grows typically on hardwoods but may be found around and on other living and dead wood or in open areas.

More Information: Wikipedia