Order Agaricales Scientific name Termitomyces | Division Basidiomycota | |
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Similar Macrotermitinae, Termitomyces microcarpus, Termitomyces clypeatus, Macrotermes, Macrolepiota albuminosa | ||
Termitomyces clypeatus fungi kingdom
Termitomyces is a genus of basidiomycete fungi belonging to the family Lyophyllaceae. There are about 30 species in the genus. They are the food source for a subfamily of termites, the Macrotermitinae, who enjoy an obligate symbiosis with the genus similar to that between Atta ants and Attamyces mushrooms. Despite this relationship, spore transfer is still accomplished mainly by shedding from mushrooms, which protrude from the termite mounds.
Contents
- Termitomyces clypeatus fungi kingdom
- The olamo fungal gardens of goa part iii nymphs consume the termitomyces spherules
- Characteristics
- Culinary use
- Species
- Other termite associating fungi that may be confused with Termitomyces
- References
The olamo fungal gardens of goa part iii nymphs consume the termitomyces spherules
Characteristics
These mushrooms are edible for most people, and the larger species are a popular wild food where they occur. They include the largest mushroom in the world, Termitomyces titanicus of West Africa and Zambia, whose cap reaches 1 metre (3 ft) in diameter. These fungi grow on 'combs' which are formed from the termites' excreta, dominated by tough woody fragments. Termitomyces was circumscribed by Roger Heim in 1942.
From 1955 to 1969 Arthur French worked in Uganda (as a hobby) on the subject of fungi and termites. Some scientific literature about these fungal species existed previously, but these texts failed to adequately discuss the relationship between termites and their fungal symbiotes, while the various edible varieties were merely termed "termite mushrooms." French conducted some investigations with the help of the elderly Baganda women who gathered termite mushrooms, and published his findings.
Culinary use
Termitomyces are a popular seasonal delicacy in the indian state of Goa . For about two weeks at the beginning of August every year, clusters of villagers dot the Goan roadside hawking the handpicked mushrooms. A spicy gravy known as "Tonak" is a popular method of preparation . Since Termitomyces are difficult to mass produce , they sell for a high price in the local markets of Goa
Species
Other termite-associating fungi that may be confused with Termitomyces
