Termitomyces schimperi
| Termitomyces schimperi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Agaricales |
| Family: | Lyophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Termitomyces |
| Species: | T. schimperi |
| Binomial name | |
| Termitomyces schimperi (Pat.) R.Heim (1942) | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Termitomyces schimperi, commonly referred by its Herero name Ejova (singular), is a mushroom associated with the termite species Macrotermes michaelseni of Namibia. In the plural the mushroom is referred to as Omajowa (with the alternative spelling of omajova or omayova) by both the Herero and Ovambo peoples of Namibia. German Namibians refer to the mushroom as "Termitenpilz."[2]
Characteristics
The sporocarps (the fruitbody of the fungus) are the "size of a man’s fist" on emergence. They rapidly expand to 15–28 cm and may reach 40 cm in diameter. The caps are white and the thick, soft scales may be stained yellowish to reddish-brown by the soil of the mound. The scales are white underneath their uppermost layer. The pseudorhiza (a cord-like structure resembling a plant root) tapers downwards towards its origin in the termite nest, and may reach a length of about 90 cm. The lower, narrower part of the pseudorhiza has a denser consistency than the above ground-part. The sporocarps appear in groups of 5–10 around the lower parts of termite mound, and grow to roughly 50 cm above soil level. Up to 50 sporocarps have been observed around a single mound. Omajowa usually appear after soaking rains of 12 mm or more during spring, but the main crop develops during January to March which is the main rainy season. The mushroom may form on the same termite mound for many years provided that part of the hyphae is left in the mound when the cap is harvested for eating. On maturation of the fungus, the partial veil is consumed by termites.[2]
Termite association
Omajowa do not appear on all termite mounds. The mushroom occurs only on the tall termite mounds of central and northern parts of Namibia where the average rainfall is 350 mm or more. These mounds frequently reach 4 to 5 m in height and their apex is always inclined towards north. The associated termite is the Termes bellicosus also known as Macrotermes michaelseni. In Zambia the Termitomyces schimperi is found at the termite mounds of Odontotermes patruus.[2]
Distribution
In Namibia the omajowa are known to occur at Omaruru, Okahandja, Otjiwarongo, Grootfontein, Tsumkwe, east of Windhoek and in the south-eastern part of the Etosha National Park.[2]
Commerce
Omajowa are not farmed commercially and cannot simply be bought at a grocery market. In season, however, locals sell the mushroom at roadsides in order to generate additional income. A single Ejova also appeared on the N$5.50 stamp issued by the NamPost, Namibia's postal service, in 1999.[3]
Cultural association
The mushroom is seen as a symbol of growth, and prosperity by Namibians and is highly valued in Namibian culture.[4]
Once mature, the mushroom needs to be harvested and consumed quickly as there is a lot of small insects that feed on it. The Omajowa also freeze well and are often preserved in this way for future consumption. There are various ways in which the Omajowa can be used in food. It can, for example, be grilled, fried, prepared in a soup, used in risottos and sauces, wrapped in pasta or used on pizza. Because of its significant size, the mushroom is sometimes even prepared as a steak by locals. On the more peculiar side, the Omajowa can be used in ice cream and this is believed to be a real delicacy.[5]
References
- ↑ "GSD Species Synonymy: Termitomyces schimperi (Pat.) R. Heim". Species Fungorum. CAB International. Retrieved 2015-08-20.
- 1 2 3 4 Van Der Westhuizen, G.C.A; Eicker (1991). "The ‘omajowa’ or ‘termitenpilz’ Termitomyces sp. (Agaricales) of Namibia". South African Journal of Botany 57 (1): 67–70.
- ↑ "Omajova – A wild Delicacy". gondwanatravel. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
- ↑ Ozondjahe Hunting Safaris. "Omajowa, Termite Hill Mushrooms in Namibia". Ozondjahe Hunting Safaris. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
- ↑ Venter, Annabelle. "The inimitable omajowa – Namibia’s giant, wild, edible mushroom". Retrieved 7 August 2013.