The World’s Largest Edible Mushroom Lives in Symbiosis with Termites and That’s Why It Grows So Huge

This family living in Zambia purchased this giant specimen on the road to Lusaka, the capital city. Image credit: Words from the Wild
The name Termitomyces refers to how the mushroom grows inside a termite hill. The mushrooms in this genus have a symbiotic relationship with termites and grow on their fecal matter, breaking down plant material as food for them. Decayed mushroom tissue is another food source for the termites.

In turn, the fungi associated with termites receive a steady supply of plant material, in a location with fine-tuned temperature and moisture content optimal for growth.