Black Termite Mushroom
Oudemansiella raphanipes
The black termite mushroom is grown commercially in China and Malaysia in bags with a casing layer of soil, and published growing parameters are still sparse.
Oudemansiella raphanipes, also written Hymenopellis raphanipes and sold in China as 'Heipijizong', is an edible saprotroph from East and South Asia. Wikipedia notes that it is commercially cultured in China and Malaysia. A 2025 study found that the casing soil used in its cultivation was beneficial to the crop, although the soil microorganisms were not necessarily needed, and that sterilising the casing soil improved yield and quality more than ordinary disinfection.
Cultivation parameters
Practical estimated
| Difficulty | Intermediate — Grown in bags with a casing layer; published cultivation parameters are sparse |
|---|
Taxonomy & ecology
| Scientific name | Oudemansiella raphanipes |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Hymenopellis raphanipes, Heipijizong |
| Family | Physalacriaceae |
| Order | Agaricales |
| Genus | Oudemansiella |
| Lifestyle | Saprotroph |
| Native range | East and South Asia |
| Cultivation status | Commercially cultivated |
Growing notes
We do not yet have a sourced temperature, humidity or timing range for this species, so those fields are left empty. A 2022 study in Guizhou described the first green-mould disease on this mushroom, caused by a new Trichoderma species isolated from the soil in mushroom bags, which means clean casing material is worth the effort. Researchers are exploring soilless cultivation to make the crop more hygienic.
Questions about growing Black Termite Mushroom
Is the black termite mushroom grown commercially?
Yes, Wikipedia notes it is commercially cultured in China and Malaysia.
Does it need casing soil?
A 2025 study found casing soil beneficial, and that sterilised casing gave better yield and quality than conventionally disinfected casing. Soilless cultivation is being researched.
What diseases does it have?
A 2022 study reported the first green mould on this mushroom, caused by Trichoderma hymenopellicola found in soil in mushroom bags.
What temperature does it need?
We do not have a verified range for it yet. The green-mould fungus that attacks it grows best at 25 °C.