Termitomyces titanicus
| Termitomyces titanicus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Agaricales |
| Family: | Lyophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Termitomyces |
| Species: | T. titanicus |
| Binomial name | |
| Termitomyces titanicus Pegler & Piearce | |
Termitomyces titanicus (common name Chi-ngulu-ngulu) is a species of fungus in the Lyophyllaceae family. Found in West Africa (as well as Zambia and the Katanga Province of DR Congo), it has a cap that may reach 1 metre (3 ft) in diameter on a stipe up to 22 inches (57 cm) in length [1] [2] and is reputed to be the largest edible mushroom in the world. [3] Termitomyces is symbiotic with termites of the genus Macrotermes who raise the hyphae upon partially digested leaves as their primary foodstuff.
References
- ↑ David N. Peglar and G. D. Piearce, "The Edible Mushrooms of Zambia", KEW BULLETIN Vol. 35 # 3 (1980) pp.479-482.
- ↑ Guy Parent and Daniel Thoen,"Food Value of Edible Mushrooms from the Upper Shaba Region", ECONOMIC BOTANY Vol. 31 # 4 ((Oct-Dec 1977) p. 436.
- ↑ "The funga". Retrieved 2009-06-27.
External links
- Termitomyces titanicus in Index Fungorum
- www.spirit-of-the-land.com/photographer.htm (a good photograph of T. titanicus).
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