Bulbous honey mushrooms (Armillaria gallica) east from Ilikovskaya Alley in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 11, 2013Synonyms: Agaricus melleus, Armillaria bulbosa, Armillaria lutea.
Common name: bulbous honey fungus.
Russian names: Opionok tolstonogiy, Opionok osenniy, tolstonogiy.
Extract from Wikipedia article: Armillaria gallica (synonymous with A. bulbosa and A. lutea) is a species of honey mushroom in the family Physalacriaceae of the order Agaricales. The species is a common and ecologically important wood-decay fungus that can live as a saprobe, or as an opportunistic parasite in weakened tree hosts to cause root or butt rot. It is found in temperate regions of Asia, North America, and Europe. The species forms fruit bodies singly or in groups in soil or rotting wood. The fungus has been inadvertently introduced to South Africa. Armillaria gallica has had a confusing taxonomy, due in part to historical difficulties encountered in distinguishing between similar Armillaria species. The fungus received international attention in the early 1990s when an individual colony living in a Michigan forest was reported to cover an area of 15 hectares (37 acres), weigh at least 9,500 kilograms (21,000 lb), and be 1,500 years old. This individual is popularly known as the "humungous fungus", and is a tourist attraction and inspiration for an annual mushroom-themed festival in Crystal Falls. Recent studies have revised the fungus's age to 2,500 years and its size to about 440 tons, four times the original estimate.
Armillaria gallica is a species of honey mushroom that grows in clusters, typically found in deciduous and mixed forests. In St. Petersburg, Leningrad Oblast, and north-western Russia, it has been reported to fruit from July to October, often in association with trees such as oak, birch, and pine. The fungus is characterized by its golden-brown cap, white gills, and ring on the stem. It is considered edible and has been found in various habitats, including urban parks and forests, in the region.
Bulbous honey mushrooms (Armillaria gallica) east from Ilikovskaya Alley in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 11, 2013
Bulbous honey mushrooms (Armillaria gallica) on a tree stump near Kavgolovskoe Lake south from Oselki, 8 miles north from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 23, 2015
Bulbous honey mushrooms (Armillaria gallica) on the ground in spruce forest in Posiolok near Vyritsa, south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 16, 2016
Bulbous honey mushrooms (Armillaria gallica) on a log in Posiolok near Vyritsa, south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 16, 2016
Bulbous honey mushrooms (Armillaria gallica) on the ground in Posiolok near Vyritsa, south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 16, 2016
Cluster of bulbous honey mushrooms (Armillaria gallica) in Posiolok near Vyritsa, south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 16, 2016
Orange milkcap mushrooms (Lactarius aurantiacus) together with bulbous honey mushrooms (Armillaria gallica) in Posiolok near Vyritsa, south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 16, 2016
Caps of bulbous honey mushrooms (Armillaria gallica) in Posiolok near Vyritsa, south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 16, 2016
Bulbous honey mushrooms (Armillaria gallica) on a mossy branch in Posiolok near Vyritsa, south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 16, 2016
Bulbous honey mushrooms (Armillaria gallica(?)) and some bracket fungus on a stump in Literatorskie Mostki section of Volkovo Cemetery. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 17, 2016
Bulbous honey fungus (Armillaria gallica) and Velvet shank (Flammulina velutipes) on a peninsula of 4-th South Pond on Elagin Island. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2017
Bulbous honey fungus (Armillaria gallica) west from 1-st Elagin Bridge on Elagin Island. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2017
Bulbous honey fungus (Armillaria gallica) on a lawn west from 1-st Elagin Bridge on Elagin Island. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2017
Caps of bulbous honey fungus (Armillaria gallica) west from 1-st Elagin Bridge on Elagin Island. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 7, 2017Observations of Armillaria gallica in Leningrad Oblast and north-western Russia show that the fungus grows in various environments. It was found on tree stumps near Kavgolovskoe Lake and in spruce forests in Posiolok near Vyritsa. The fungus also grew on logs, mossy branches, and lawns, such as on Elagin Island. It was observed growing alone or with other species like orange milkcap mushrooms and Velvet shank. The observations were made between 2013 and 2017, primarily in September and October, suggesting a fall season for the fungus's growth. Multiple sightings were recorded in Posiolok near Vyritsa on October 16, 2016, indicating a high concentration of the species in that area. Additionally, sightings were made in Saint Petersburg, including in Volkovo Cemetery and on Elagin Island.
Russian web-forums Planeta Gribov, V Kontakte, and Griby Sredney Polosy for learning names of local mushrooms.
This web page was generated by a special script.