What do Armillaria fungi primarily live on?

Armillaria fungi, commonly known as honey fungi, primarily thrive on dead plant tissue in the soil. They play a significant role in ecosystems as decomposers, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil. This ability to decompose dead wood and other plant materials allows Armillaria to sustain itself and contribute to soil health.

While these fungi can also interact with living plants, particularly as pathogens that cause root rot, their primary lifestyle relies on the organic matter that they decompose. This relationship is crucial for nutrient cycling within forest and woodland ecosystems. Thus, selecting the option regarding dead plant tissue in soil accurately reflects the primary ecological niche that Armillaria fungi occupy.