Fauna
Fungus

Termite Mushroom

Termitomyces schimperi

Also known as Omajowa, Schimper's Termite Mushroom, Ejiko

Forming an extraordinary mutualistic bond with subterranean termites, these massive fungi sprout directly from fungal gardens cultivated inside termite mounds. Worker termites collect plant material to feed the underground mycelium, which responds by producing colossal, thick-stemmed mushrooms after heavy soaking rains. The broad caps expand rapidly across African savannas, providing a fleeting nutrient source for local insects and wildlife.

FungusSymbioticTropical
Termite Mushroom reference1 / 6
(c) marius, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCellulose, Lignin, Termite comb material
Predators
  • Beetle larvae
  • Small mammals
  • Snails
ThreatsTermite colony destruction, habitat degradation
HabitatsSavannas, open woodlands, termite mounds
Life spanFruiting body lasts 2–5 days
Classification
  1. FamilyLyophyllaceae
  2. SpeciesTermitomyces schimperi
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Locating: Scan the bases of active termite mounds following early rainstorms.
  • Observing Structure: Look for the long, root-like stem extending deep into the mound soil.
Related species
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