Chapter 16: Termitomyces clypeatus and Termitomyces heimii

Termitomyces, a wild type of mushroom fed on by termites, shows a strong symbiotic association with termites both under and above ground. Their fruiting bodies (termatorium), digestive enzymes and secreted vitamins of Termitomyces serve as a food source to hosts. Globally, among 30 genetically diverse Termitomyces species, Termitomyces heimii and Termitomyces clypeatus, have been characterized based on their vast heterogenous phylogeny, morphological traits, habitat and phenotypical appearance, such as the shape of their perforatorium, stipe length (cm), pileus length, margin and color of fruiting body, gills, flesh, annulus, pseudorrhiza and spore print. Moreover, Termitomyces also contain novel bioactive compounds shown to have therapeutic antioxidant, immunomodulator, anti-rheumatic, antitumor, antimicrobial and neuromodulator properties. Therefore, Termitomyces have long been extensively used as human food and medicine. Thus, reports on these species serve as a baseline study to gather more information and aid their cultivation and benefit sustainable economic development of this area.