Armillariella mellea, commonly known as honey fungus, is a species of fungus belonging to the family Physalacriaceae. This mushroom is known for its honey-colored cap and gills, giving it its common name. It is widely distributed across Europe, as well as parts of Asia, North America, and Australia.
The mushroom typically has a cap that ranges in color from light yellow to honey-brown, with a convex shape when young that later flattens out as it matures. The gills underneath the cap are initially white, but they turn a creamy-yellow color as the mushroom ages. Armillariella mellea has a ring-like structure, known as an annulus, on the stem, which may also be covered in a partial veil.
This species is considered a saprophytic mushroom, meaning it feeds on decaying organic matter. It commonly colonizes dead wood, including stumps, logs, and roots. In fact, Armillariella mellea is well-known for its ability to form extensive underground networks of interconnected filaments called mycelium. These mycelial networks can persist for years, gradually decomposing and consuming the organic matter they inhabit.
Despite its role in the decomposition process, Armillariella mellea can also be a destructive pathogen. It is known to attack and kill living trees, particularly in forest ecosystems. This makes it a significant threat to horticulture and forestry industries, mainly due to its ability to rapidly spread through interconnected mycelium.
Overall, Armillariella mellea is a widely distributed and distinctive mushroom species, displaying characteristics such as a honey-colored cap and gills, formation of a ring-like structure, and an extensive underground mycelial network.
