Termitomyces
| Termitomyces | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Termitomyces reticulatus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Basidiomycetes |
| Order: | Agaricales |
| Family: | Lyophyllaceae |
| Genus: |
Termitomyces R.Heim |
| Type species | |
|
Termitomyces striatus (Beeli) R.Heim |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
1945 Podabrella Singer |
|
1945 Podabrella Singer
1945 Rajapa Singer
1981 Sinotermitomyces M.Zang
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.
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.
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
See Tobias Frøslev's Termitomyces page [1] And an academic review of the relationship in Patterns of interaction specificity of fungus-growing termites and Termitomyces symbionts in South Africa Aanenet DK al BMC Evol Biol. 2007; 7: 115. [2]
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