Giant Termite Mushroom

Termitomyces titanicus

Family: Lyophyllaceae

Also called: Chingulungulu, Kanyengele

Giant Termite Mushroom (Termitomyces titanicus)
Photo:Blimeo(CC BY-SA 4.0)View original source →

Overview

The largest agaric in the world — caps to 1 m across — cultivated by Macrotermes termites in colonies across miombo woodland of Zambia, the DRC, and Tanzania. Fruits during the first heavy rains of the wet season (Nov–Feb). Smoky-meaty flavour; major village market food.

Edibility
Edible
Rarity
uncommon
Trophic mode
parasitic-saprotrophic
Typical peak
Dec

Season

Nov–Feb (rains) — typical fruiting months: Oct, Nov, , Jan.

Host trees & substrate

  • Macrotermes termite gardens
  • Miombo woodland

Where it grows

See live fruiting predictions for Giant 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.