Omajowa, Termite Hill Mushrooms in Namibia

[Ozondjahe Hunting Safaris]

Omajowa, Termite Hill Mushrooms in Namibia

Termite hill mushrooms (Species of Termitomyces), a variety of edible fungi found in Namibia, also called Omajowa a Herero word for our Namibian termite or anthill mushroom, they are quite unique to Namibia, are farmed by termites and despite best attempts, humankind has been unable to grow them, as well as termites. The fungi play a significant role in the emergence of social homeostasis in Termite colonies. Indeed, in a remarkable way, it is actually not the termites that cultivate the fungi, but the fungi that are cultivating the termites. Omajowa occur only during the rainy season, appear at the foot of termite hills after the rains and can weigh up to 1kg. The mushroom is also a symbol of rapid growth, and prosperity, and is highly valued in many cultures. They can be found in large quantities between Oshivelo and Tsumeb in Oshikoto region, to the east of Etoshapan. Farm workers collect them and bring them to the roadside for sale, although the price is not a fixed one, it varies between N$5 to 10 per kg. Another mushroom species found in Namibia is Kalahari truffle which grows primarily in the red sands of the Kalahari regions. Both of these species are delicious and are served in formal restaurants and lodges. In rural areas, people collect these mushrooms which replace meat in many meals.

Omajowa termite hill mushrooms Namibia

Omajowa termite hill mushrooms Namibia

Omajowa termite hill mushrooms Namibia

Omajowa termite hill mushrooms Namibia

 

[Dinsdale]

Interesting post and lots of good pics!

I like these local flora and fauna type posts that go beyond just the usual game animals articles;well done.

 

[monish]

Jerome,

Nice photos of the mushrooms , must be tasty to eat .

Thanks

Monish

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Monish, They are indeed delicious however for some people if they eat too much it can affect their "digestion"!

 

[Ozondjahe Hunting Safaris]

With the rain comes the Omajowa termite hill mushrooms... Here we found 36 on one termite mount!

 

[Ozondjahe Hunting Safaris]

From another termite hill...

 

[Ozondjahe Hunting Safaris]

 

[bluey]

great stuff jerome .
i like to be told about the flora and fuana , in the area i hunt .
l was lucky on our 2010 hunt that the p.h new little about everything in the area , be it birds, trees , insects .the water table .and of course the animals ,and wasy to stalk them with archery equipemant .
it was a big learning curve ,and showed me that he loved his africa .....

 

[BRICKBURN]

..

An amazing haul.

Truffel hunting Namibia style.

Who has the penchant for Mushrooms in the diet?

 

[Rob404]

This site never ceases to amaze me,,thanks for the Pictures

 

[James.Grage]

Mushrooms with every meal... for a while.

Can you make grilled mushroom steaks ?