Armillaria mellea

Armillaria mellea, commonly known as honey fungus, is a type of parasitic and saprotrophic mushroom that infects trees and woody plants. It produces a honey-colored cap with a darker ring and grows best in damp, forested areas. The fungus attacks the roots and base of trees, causing rot, weakening the tree's structure, and often leading to dieback or death. It spreads through underground networks of threads called rhizomorphs and produces visible honey-colored mushrooms in clusters. While it plays a role in natural decomposition, it can be a serious pathogen for forestry and ornamental trees.