488 



Thi; H0NEY-C01.0RED Mushroom (Edibi^e;) 

 Armillaria mcllea Vahl. 



AniiiUaria uicUca is a very common and widely distributed mush- 

 room which occurs in late summer and autumn. It grows at the bases 

 of stumps and dead trees or from buried roots or from the living roots 

 of trees. It is usually found in clusters, the number of individuals in 

 eacli varying from a few to very many. It is a very variable species, 

 so that the description of any one specimen is not likely to apply very 

 well to the next specimen found, and a beginner is apt to collect a 

 half-dozen specimens of this plant from different places and think he 

 has as many species ; yet the plant has an individuality which, when 

 one is once familiar with it, is not likely to be mistaken in any of its 

 forms. 



The cap is 3 to 10 cm. ( i to 4 inches) broad, oval or convex at 

 first and then nearly flat, but usually with a slight elevation in the cen- 

 ter. The color varies from honey-color to nearly white, or it may be 

 yellowish or reddish brown. Usually the central portion is adorned 

 wath erect, pointed, brown or black scales, while the margin is free 

 from scales but is striate, especially in old specimens. Occasionally 

 however, the entire cap is smooth. The flesh is white or whitish. 



The gills are attached to the stem either scjuarely (adnate) or ex- 

 tending down the stem (decurrent). They are at first white, but, 

 when older, are often stained with brown or rust-colored spots. The 

 spores are white and very abundant. 



The stem is 3 to 15 cm. ( i to 6 inches) long, and smooth or some- 

 what scaly. It is somewhat elastic and spongy or hollow within. The 

 color is as variable as that of the cap, but the stem is usually some- 

 what darker toward the base. The ring is also very variable. It may 

 be quite thick and persistent or very thin and membranous, and some- 

 times it disappears entirely. There is no volva. The mycelium often 

 forms rope-like strands which are at first white but later become dark 

 colored. They can usually be found by digging carefully where the 

 fruit bodies are growing. 



This mushroom is sometimes a serious parasite on the roots of 

 trees. It is not ranked among the best of edible species because it is 

 somewhat tough and not very high-flavored. The caps are meaty, 

 however, and when chopped into small pieces they make good patties 

 and croc|uettes. They are also useful for seasoning the gravies of 

 various meats. 



Collected in Champaign county. 



