bootlace fungus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

The mushrooms (honey fungus) of some Armillaria species are edible only if cooked thoroughly, but the rhizomorphs ('bootlaces') themselves are not eaten. Correct identification by an expert is essential due to poisonous look-alikes.

Look for clusters of honey-colored mushrooms at the base of trees in autumn and, more definitively, black, shiny, cord-like strands (rhizomorphs) under the bark of infected trees or in the surrounding soil.

There is no simple cure. Infected plants often must be removed entirely, along with as much of the root and rhizomorph system as possible, to prevent spread. Soil fumigation or barrier trenches are sometimes used in professional settings.

It most commonly refers to Armillaria mellea, but the name is also used for other species within the Armillaria genus that produce similar rhizomorphs.

A parasitic fungus of the genus Armillaria, which produces long, black, root-like structures (rhizomorphs) that resemble bootlaces.

Bootlace fungus is usually informal/specialist (mycology, gardening, forestry) in register.

Bootlace fungus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbuːtleɪs ˌfʌŋɡəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbutleɪs ˌfʌŋɡəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.