Fungus · GBIF taxon 3347409
chi-ngulu-ngulu
Termitomyces titanicusAlso known as Titan Termite Mushroom, Gigantic Termite Mushroom
Producing the largest known fleshy mushroom caps on Earth, this extraordinary fungus emerges from subterranean termite mounds across sub-Saharan Africa following heavy seasonal rains. Massive caps can reach up to a meter across, supported by thick stipes anchored directly into underground fungus gardens. This obligate mutualistic partnership relies on Macrotermes termites breaking down woody plant material to feed the mycelium, which in turn produces nutrient-rich fruiting bodies.
GiganticSymbioticFungus
Licensed referenceBlimeo / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Leaf Litter
- Plant Residue
- Wood Fiber
Predators
- Termites
- Insects
- Small Mammals
ThreatsHabitat Fragmentation, Termite Nest Destruction
HabitatsSavannas, Woodlands, Termite Mounds
Life spanPerennial Mycelium (Ephemeral Caps)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLyophyllaceae
- SpeciesTermitomyces titanicus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Many wild mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
- Termite Mounds: Search around active subterranean termite nests after heavy seasonal rainfall.
- Handling Caution: Support large caps gently from below, as massive specimens tear easily under their own weight.
Symbiotic Partner 
Close Relative This image was created by user Candice (Candice) at Mushroom Observer, a source for mycological images.You can contact this user here. / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Wynand Uys, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Wynand Uys · cc-by
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