Small Termite Mushroom

Termitomyces microcarpus

Family: Lyophyllaceae

Also called: Anthill mushroom, Omajowa relatives

Small Termite Mushroom (Termitomyces microcarpus)
Photo:Glen van Niekerk (primordius)(CC BY-SA 3.0)View original source →

Overview

Pan-tropical small termite-garden mushroom — sub-Saharan Africa, India, SE Asia. Pinky-brown caps in dense troops from abandoned Macrotermes nests after rain. Sold fresh in markets across West and East Africa.

Edibility
Edible
Rarity
common
Trophic mode
parasitic-saprotrophic
Typical peak
Apr & Oct

Season

Long & short rains — typical fruiting months: Feb, Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Host trees & substrate

  • Abandoned Macrotermes mounds

Where it grows

See live fruiting predictions for Small Termite Mushroom on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.

Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.