Honey Fungus

honey fungus Armillariella mellea (and other Armillariella spp), an edible fungus named for the colour of its cap, usually grows on or around the trunks or stumps of trees. It is a harmful parasite, capable of killing trees. Its long, thin black rhizomorphs enable it to spread underground from tree to tree. Their appearance is responsible for the alternative common name ‘boot-lace’ fungus and (in the USA) ‘shoestring mushroom’.

The honey fungus, which is also found in India and the Orient, is an autumn growth, and is closely related to the matsutake.