Honey fungus
A species of Honey fungi, Also known as Bootlace fungus Scientific name : Armillaria mellea Genus : Honey fungi
Honey fungus, A species of Honey fungi
Also known as:
Bootlace fungus
Scientific name: Armillaria mellea
Genus: Honey fungi
Photo By Vlad Rotaru , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The honey fungus is a parasitic fungus that grows on the roots of many woody and perennial plants, damaging and possibly killing its host. It spreads underground and is considered to be the most damaging fungal disease in gardens across the UK. The appearance of the mushrooms above-ground heralds a much more extensive infection below.
Colors
Brown
Yellow
Gold
Gray
White
Habitat
Honey fungus is found in broadleaf forests and orchards, and occasionally on conifers. It usually grows as a parasite upon living trees, spreading underground between them, but can also feed on stumps, dead roots, and fallen branches.
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People often ask
General Info
Toxicity
The honey fungus, a deadly parasite of trees, was once considered edible, but as mild and moderate gastrointestinal symptoms were increasingly reported after consumption, caution is now advised. Poisonous when raw, the honey fungus causes gastric upset in some people even when cooked. Armillaria mellea are variable in their shape, color, and growth form, so extra caution when identifying this species is advised.
Edibility
Honey fungus is edible when thoroughly cooked. After cooking, this mushroom is firm and granular and has a sweet flavor. However, honey fungus is variable in appearance, with colors that range from a burnt amber to almost yellow. This makes it easily confused for other mushrooms that may be toxic. Caution should be warranted when consuming this mushroom as some people report gastric upset.
Habitat
Honey fungus is found in broadleaf forests and orchards, and occasionally on conifers. It usually grows as a parasite upon living trees, spreading underground between them, but can also feed on stumps, dead roots, and fallen branches.
Growth Form
Parasitic
Sporocarp Height
7 inches
Cap Diameter
5 inches
Endangered Species
No
Habit
Parasitic
Substrate
On wood
Smell
Not distinctive
Spore Print
White
Species Status
Widespread
Distribution Area
North America,Europe, northern Asia; introduced in South Africa
How to identify it?
Similar Species
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Club fungi Class
Mushroom-forming fungi Order
Gilled fungi Family
Physalacriaceae Genus
Honey fungi Species
Honey fungus 
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