Most edible mushrooms are fairly small. But in West Africa as well as Zambia, there’s one particularly magicalmushroom:Termitomyces titanicus.In Zambia, where mushroom-gathering is a part of life, the titanicus is especially beloved. While the largest organism in the world is a fungus currently consuming Oregon, Termitomyces titanicus is the world’s largest edible mushroom,with the cap capable of measuring a little more than three feet across.
The Termitomycesname refers to how it grows inside a termite hill. Termitomyces mushrooms have a symbiotic relationship with the termites. The mushroom grows on the termite’s fecal matter and breaks down plant material as food for them. Termites also chomp away at decayed mushroom tissue. Most grow in the winter during the rains, which is prime mushroom season. The savory, smokytitanicusis considered to be particularly delicious, with a meaty texture. It can be foundthroughout Zambia, butgrows particularly well among the diverse flora of thecountry’s miombo woodlands.
