This humongous fungus is considered the largest living thing on earth | Oregon Field Guide

Summary

This video explores the fascinating and enormous honey mushroom fungus, Armillaria, found in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon. This fungus, which can span over three square miles, is the largest living organism on Earth, weighing up to 35,000 tons. It slowly kills trees by rotting their roots, but has been part of the ecosystem for thousands of years. Researchers and foresters are studying its impact on forests, trying to find ways to manage its spread. While harmful to timber industries, Armillaria plays an important ecological role by recycling dead trees and supporting wildlife.

Takeaways

• 😀 The honey mushroom, also known as Armillaria, is the largest living organism in the world, covering over three square miles in Oregon's Malheur National Forest.
• 😀 The fungus can grow up to one to three feet per year and is believed to be between 2,000 to 8,000 years old.
• 😀 The fungus spreads through tree roots and kills trees by rotting their roots and interfering with water and nutrient movement.
• 😀 While it may seem harmless, the honey mushroom is a major threat to forests and timber companies, causing trees to die slowly over many years.
• 😀 The fungus has several names, including honey mushroom, humongous fungus, and shoestring fungus, each describing different forms it takes.
• 😀 The fungus can weigh between 7,500 and 35,000 tons if gathered together, comparable to the weight of 200 gray whales.
• 😀 It is not a recent phenomenon; the fungus has been around for thousands of years and is not a result of human activity.
• 😀 Researchers use DNA analysis to confirm that the fungus across vast areas is the same organism, making it the largest known living organism.
• 😀 Timber companies struggle to manage the fungus, and researchers are looking for ways to plant trees that can survive in its presence.
• 😀 From an ecological perspective, the honey mushroom plays a role in recycling dead trees, which benefits wildlife by providing habitats once the trees decay.

Q & A

What is the humongous fungus mentioned in the script?

The humongous fungus refers to the honey mushroom (Armillaria), a massive, living organism found in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon. It spreads out under the ground and attacks trees, killing them over time.

How big is the humongous fungus?

The humongous fungus covers an area of over three square miles in the Malheur National Forest, making it the largest single living organism in the world. It can weigh between 7,500 to 35,000 tons, which is equivalent to more than 200 gray whales.

How old is the humongous fungus?

The fungus is estimated to be between 2,000 and 8,000 years old, as it spreads at a rate of 1 to 3 feet per year.

What are the effects of the honey mushroom on trees?

The honey mushroom infects trees by spreading a white fungal layer under their bark, rotting their roots, and blocking the movement of water and nutrients. This leads to dehydration and starvation of the tree, causing it to die slowly.

How do trees defend themselves against the honey mushroom?

Trees try to fight back by producing pitch, which oozes out of their bark in an attempt to push the fungus away. However, this defense is often ineffective, especially against large infestations.

What is the significance of the honey mushroom in forest ecosystems?

The honey mushroom plays a key role in forest ecology by decomposing dead trees. As it kills and decays trees, it contributes to nutrient recycling in the soil, and its decaying trees provide habitat for wildlife.

What challenges does the honey mushroom pose to timber companies?

The honey mushroom is a significant threat to timber companies because it kills trees, particularly in areas of extensive infestation. Timber companies have to deal with the fungus's spread, which can damage forests and affect the quality of timber.

What strategies are researchers using to manage the honey mushroom?

Researchers have experimented with various methods to manage the honey mushroom, including removing infected trees and roots. However, this process is expensive, and they are now focusing on identifying tree species that are resistant to the fungus.

What is the purpose of testing different tree species in relation to the honey mushroom?

Researchers are testing different tree species to identify those that can survive in areas affected by the honey mushroom. This knowledge could help timber companies make better planting decisions and avoid planting species that are vulnerable to the fungus.

What is the ecological role of the humongous fungus?

Ecologically, the humongous fungus helps recycle nutrients by decomposing dead trees. This process enriches the soil, and the decayed trees provide food and habitat for birds and other wildlife.