Caterpillar Fungus

Moth on a plant branch

Cordyceps sinensis is a fungus that grows from the mummified bodies of dead caterpillar larva it killed. Spores from this fungus fill the body of the caterpillar larva, creating filaments known as hyphae, which in turn kill the caterpillar larva. A fruiting plant body then grows directly from the dead caterpillar larva's forehead and releases spores into the wind to infect other caterpillars. Caterpillar larva that are fortunate not to become infected eventually grow into large moths classified as Hepilus fabricius.

History

Fungus, a medicine in some cultures

Caterpillar fungus has been used as medicine in the Chinese culture for hundreds of years. It was once believed that caterpillar fungus was actually a worm. Through further scientific studies, though, it was learned that it is actually a fungus that produces a fruiting body through the host of a dead caterpillar larva. The fungus' name in Chinese, Dong chong xia cao, translates to "winter worm, summer grass." Hence, in winter it is a worm, and it turns to a plant in summer.

Geography

Himalaya mountains, where the fungus thrives

The caterpillar larva lives predominantly underground in alpine grass and shrub lands. It thrives in the Tibetan plateau, which is an immensely large and elevated plateau in Central Asia and the Himalayas, and it flourishes in an altitude from 9,000 to 16,000 feet.

Preparation

Duck cooked with the fungus

In the past, caterpillar fungus was dried and ground into a powder or combined with other tonics for ingestion. Currently, the most average form of ingestion is drinking the broth from a duck stuffed with the caterpillar fungus then boiled. In the latter method, the broth is agreeable both in taste and aroma. More creative recipes include fungus candy sold in drugstores and at farmers' markets.

Function

Increasing strength through caterpillar fungus

Traditionally, it is believed that ingesting the caterpillar fungus can aid in healing such ailments as coughs, anemia, and knee and back pain. Today, though, it is mainly used to relieve stress or to increase strength and vitality.

Considerations

Profit from caterpillar fungus

Many local Tibetan farmers profit from harvesting caterpillar fungus and selling it to markets. Caterpillar fungus is sold in all drugstores in China as commonly as ginseng. Because of the potential profit, many resident and non-resident farmers are charged collection fees. A few counties have even begun to ban outsiders from collecting caterpillar fungus altogether, and others are adopting the same law.

References

• Utah State University, Intermountain Herbarium: Fun Facts About Fungi--Caterpillar Fungus, A Traditional Medicine
• Encyclopaedia Britannica: Caterpillar Fungus
• Science Learning: Traditional Uses of the Vegetable Caterpillar Fungus

Resources

• "Los Angeles Times;" A 'Worm' Worth its Weight in Gold; Barbara Demick; June 27, 2008