Largest organism in the world

            (Kuo, 2008) (Armillaria ostoyae, honey mushroom)

                Underneath the surface of the earth is an array of microorganism and fungi that drive decomposition, recycle nutrients and literally shape the earth. It is far too easy to overlook the role that these organisms play in our everyday life. Even gardeners often overlook the white strands that help form soil aggregates. The white strands are the “body” of the mushroom, also known as mycelium. Mycelium is a colony of genetically identical single celled organisms that combine to form hyphae. The thing strands grow dense and form a mycelia mat; these organisms excrete enzymes to break down and digest organic matter. (Casselman, 2007)

                In 1998 a species of honey mushroom (Armillaria ostoyae) was discovered in Oregon’s Blue Mountains. It is the largest known organism in the world. The honey mushroom covers 956 hectares and is thought to be about 2400 years old. This particular fungus was discovered by scientists measuring the boundaries of fungi. When they didn’t find the edge the first year it was clear they had found a giant fungus. Using genetic testing scientists were able to determine that the organism was all derived from the same organism. This particular mushroom is a parasitic fungus that has killed the forest above it many times over. Many foresters pay close attention to parasitic fungi because they are concerned that they could destroy valuable timber stands. This species infects the roots of conifers. Despite the potential economic woes, this mushroom serves many ecological functions. It helps recycle nutrients, kills the weaker trees and allows for new plants to colonize the open areas. Additionally it helps build soils and encourages various levels of succession within the forest. (Casselman, 2007)

                Armillaria ostoyae is found growing at the base of coniferous trees. This mushroom can be identified by the brown color and dark brown scales on the cap. The cap ranges from 3 to 20cm and is typically convex to flat. Gills are white and the spores are also white. A spore print can be taken by removing the cap and placing it underneath a bowl on an index card for approximately 6 to 12 hours. This is generally considered an edible species; however, there are reports of bad reactions among some people.  (Kuo, 2008)

Works Cited

Casselman, Anne. "Strange but True: The Largest Organism on Earth Is a Fungus: Scientific American." Strange but True: The Largest Organism on Earth Is a Fungus: Scientific American. Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2007. Web. 07 Feb. 2013.

Kuo, Michael. "Armillaria Ostoyae (MushroomExpert.Com)." Armillaria Ostoyae (MushroomExpert.Com). Mushroomexpert.com, Feb. 2008. Web. 07 Feb. 2013.