Humongous Fungus: The Biggest Thing To Ever Live
Animalogicγ»5 minutes read
The Armillaria fungus, the largest living organism on Earth, can span 9.1 square kilometers, absorb nutrients from trees, and reproduce through spores released by its yellow mushroom caps. It forms a network of genetically identical cells, thriving by consuming both live and dead plant matter, and can be spotted in forests by identifying honey mushrooms with gills, a ring on their stalk, and white spores.
Insights
- The Armillaria fungus, known as the largest living organism on Earth, spans 9.1 square kilometers, weighs 35,000 tons, and can live up to 9,600 years. It is a parasitic tree killer that reproduces through spores released by its yellow mushroom caps, forming a network of genetically identical cells that function as a single organism.
- Armillaria fungi can be identified by honey mushrooms in forests, characterized by gills, a ring on the stock, and white spores. These mushrooms, if found in stores, are delicious in various dishes, showcasing a unique culinary experience while being part of a vast and long-lived organism thriving on consuming plant matter.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. Itβs free
Recent questions
What is the largest living organism on Earth?
Armillaria fungus
How does Armillaria reproduce?
Sexually through spores released by mushroom caps
What are the identifying features of Armillaria fungi?
Honey mushrooms with gills, ring on stock, white spores
What type of trees does Armillaria specialize in?
Softwoods like douglas fir and pine
How does Armillaria spread and thrive?
By consuming both live and dead plant matter
Related videos
WIRED
Mycologist Answers Mushroom Questions From Twitter π | Tech Support | WIRED
Forest Film Studio
The life of the forest. Fungi
Infinity Learn NEET
Introduction to Fungus | Microorganisms | Biology | Don't Memorise
TED
6 ways mushrooms can save the world | Paul Stamets | TED
ZOE
Mushrooms as medicine: Uncovering the health secrets of fungi | Merlin Sheldrake & Prof. Tim Spector
Summary
00:00
"Armillaria: Earth's Largest, Long-Lived Fungus"
- The largest living organism on Earth is the Armillaria fungus, also known as the humongous fungus, which can span 9.1 square kilometers, weigh around 35,000 tons, and live up to 9,600 years. It is a parasitic tree killer that spreads root-like rhizomorphs to absorb nutrients from trees, specializing in softwoods like douglas fir and pine.
- Armillaria reproduces sexually through spores released by its delicious yellow mushroom caps, which can create clones that fuse into a single organism over thousands of years. This network of genetically identical cells forms a single organism, with the fungus being able to spread and thrive by consuming both live and dead plant matter.
- To spot Armillaria fungi, look for honey mushrooms in local forests during fall, identifiable by gills under their cap, a ring on their stock, and white spores. These mushrooms, if found in stores, are delicious in dishes like stir-fries and pasta, offering a unique culinary experience.
