Cordyceps
FamilyOphiocordycipitaceae
EdibilityMedicinal
HabitatCaterpillar hosts
SeasonSummer
About the Cordyceps
The zombie fungus - it infects insects, takes over their nervous system, and forces them to climb to an optimal position before killing them and fruiting from their body. Used in Tibetan and Chinese medicine for 1,500+ years. Wild cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) sells for $20,000+ per kg. Most commercial cordyceps is now cultivated on grain substrate. Popular supplement for athletic performance.
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