What Is the Largest Fungus in the World?

Armillaria ostoyae, widely known as the largest fungus in the world when it was discovered in Oregon in 1998, stretches 3.5 miles (5.6 km) across. It looks similar to a mushroom, but it is only a distant relative. The largest mushroom fungi is Fomitiporia ellipsoidea, which measured about 32 feet (10 m) long and 2.6 feet (80 cm) wide and weighed about 1,100 pounds (about 500 kg). It is technically the largest fruiting body, or spore-producing structure, and was discovered in 2010 in China underneath a tree. It is a shelf or bracket fungus, which means that the fungus attaches itself to wood or other materials and develops in a shelf-like shape.

More about large fungi:

  • In addition to being one of the largest organisms ever to exist, Armillaria ostoyae is also one of the oldest. It was estimated to be more than 8,000 years old when it was discovered in 1998.

  • The city of Crystal Falls, Michigan, celebrates the large fungi in the area with an annual Humungus Fungus Fest.

  • Scientists believed the Fomitiporia ellipsoidea was only 20 years old when it was discovered in 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest fungus in the world?

The title of the largest fungus in the world goes to Armillaria ostoyae, commonly known as the honey fungus. It spans approximately 3.4 square miles (8.8 square kilometers) in Oregon's Malheur National Forest, making it not only the largest fungal organism but also one of the largest living organisms on Earth.

How old is the world's largest fungus?

The world's largest fungus, Armillaria ostoyae, is estimated to be around 2,400 to 8,650 years old. This remarkable age makes it one of the oldest living organisms as well. Its longevity is a testament to its resilience and the unique ecological niche it occupies.

How was the largest fungus discovered?

The discovery of the largest fungus was made when scientists were investigating the cause of tree die-offs in Oregon. Through DNA testing and mapping the underground network of fungal threads, known as mycelium, researchers were able to determine the extent of this single organism, revealing its record-breaking size.

Can the largest fungus be seen above ground?

While the majority of the largest fungus, Armillaria ostoyae, exists below ground as a network of mycelium, it does produce observable signs above ground. These include clusters of honey-colored mushrooms that emerge from the forest floor, typically in the fall, which are the reproductive parts of the fungus.

What ecological role does the largest fungus play?

Armillaria ostoyae, the largest fungus, plays a critical ecological role as both a decomposer and a pathogen. It breaks down dead wood, recycling nutrients back into the soil, but it can also infect and kill living trees, thereby influencing forest composition and health.

Is the largest fungus unique to Oregon?

While the largest known individual fungus, Armillaria ostoyae, is found in Oregon, the species itself is not unique to the area. Armillaria species are found in forests across the world, but none have been documented to reach the size of the one in Oregon's Malheur National Forest.

More Info: nwf.org

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