Termitomyces is a genius of basidiomycete fungi belonging to the family Lyophyllaceae. There are 30-40 species in the genus, all of which are completely dependent on termites to survive. They are food source for a subfamily of termites.
These mushrooms are edible for most people and the larger species are a popular wild life food where they occur.
This genus is a popular seasonal delicacy in Goa. For about two weeks at the beginning of August every year, clusters of villagers dot the Goan roadside hawking the handpicked mushrooms.
A spicy gravy known as "Tonak "is a popular method of preparation. Since Termitomyces mushrooms are difficult to mass produce, they command a high price.
Some names of the local mushroom species are olmi or alami, roenichim, toshali, chochyali, khut or khuti, shiti, shitol, tel almi etc. These termite mounds are considered sacred and are dedicated to Goddess "santeri".
But from last few years local and outsiders have destroyed natural crop due to greed of money. Being sold at high prices, people steal mushrooms from private properties and damage the soil by digging it with knives.
Many such people are also found collecting these mushrooms in the forests as forest department officials do not patrol such areas.
