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Biggest
Living Organism
FUNGUS
Armillaria ostoyae
A Fungus
Among Us
People have known about the "honey mushroom"
for some time, but were not aware of how large and invasive this species
of fungus could be. The fungus was investigated more closely by researchers
when they realized that it was responsible for killing large groves
of evergreen trees. When foresters cut into an infected tree they
would find spreading white filaments, mycelia,
which draw water and carbohydrates from the tree to feed the fungus.
Researchers collected samples of the fungus from a widespread area
and analyzed the DNA. A large sample of the specimens they collected
turned out to be from a single organism.
Humongous Fungus
Until August of 2000 it
was thought that the largest living organism was a fungus of the
same species (Armillaria ostoyae) that covered 1,500 acres
(600 hectares) found living in the state of Washington. But then
mycology experts surmised that if an Armillaria that large
could be found in Washington, then perhaps one just as large could
be responsible for the trees dying in the Malheur National Forest
in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. Researchers were astonished
at the sheer magnitude of the find. This most recent find was estimated
to cover over 2,200 acres (890 hectares) and be at least 2,400 years
old, possibly older.
To go into the forest where
this giant makes its home you would not look at it and see a huge,
looming mushroom. Armillaria grows and spreads primarily
underground and the sheer bulk of this organism lies in the earth,
out of sight. Occasionally, during the fall season, this specimen
will send up golden-colored "honey mushrooms" (see photo,
above left) that are the visible evidence of its hulking mass beneath.
Scientists have not yet begun to attempt to estimate the weight
of this specimen of Armillaria.
How is it possible for a
single fungus to get so big? Scientists who study this species of
funges have postulated that the huge size may be a function of the
dry climate in eastern Oregon. Spores
The fungus,
also known as the honey mushroom, spreads below ground by
sending out these stringy rhizomorphs.
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have a hard time establishing
new organisms, making room for the old-timers to spread. Without
competition from other specimens this enormous Armillaria
has been able to grow and spread unchecked.
And yes, the honey mushrooms
are supposedly edible, but apparently not very tasty. Several
Extreme Science readers wrote to complain that yes, in fact, the
Honey mushrooms are very tasty. Good taste is a matter of opinion
and if you will allow me an opinion, I don't care for any mushrooms,
honey or otherwise.
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