Cordyceps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cordyceps |
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| Cordyceps militaris | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Division: | |
| Class: |
Sordariomycetes
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| Order: |
Hypocreales
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| Family: |
Cordycipitaceae
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| Genus: |
Cordyceps
Fr. (1818)
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| Type species | |
| Cordyceps militaris (L.) Fr. (1818)
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Cordyceps are a special type of fungi (like mushrooms, but different!) with about 400 known kinds, or "species." Most Cordyceps are parasites that grow on insects and other arthropods, like spiders or centipedes. A few even grow on other fungi. The name Cordyceps comes from two old words: a Greek word meaning "club" and a Latin word meaning "head." This describes how some of these fungi look, like a club growing from a head!
Where Cordyceps Live
Cordyceps fungi can be found all over the world. However, most of the 400 different types have been discovered in Asia. You can find many species in countries like Nepal, China, Japan, Bhutan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand.
These fungi especially love places that are wet and warm. They are very common in humid temperate and tropical forests. Imagine a damp, green forest floor – that's often where Cordyceps thrive!
How Cordyceps Grow
Cordyceps are known for their unique way of growing. When a tiny Cordyceps spore lands on an insect, it can start to grow inside the insect's body. The fungus slowly takes over the insect. Eventually, a stalk or "fruiting body" grows out of the insect's body. This stalk is how the fungus spreads its spores to find new hosts.
It might sound a bit creepy, but this is a natural part of the ecosystem. These fungi play a role in controlling insect populations in their habitats.
Uses of Cordyceps
Some types of Cordyceps have been used for a long time in traditional Chinese medicine. People in these traditions believe they have various health benefits.
However, it's important to know that there isn't much scientific evidence from modern studies to show that Cordyceps can treat human diseases. Scientists are still studying these fungi to understand them better.
Images for kids
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Ascomycete life cycle
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A member of the genus Cordyceps which is parasitic on arthropods. Note the elongated stromata
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Cordyceps beginning its growth from a wasp
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Cordyceps militaris
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Cordyceps militaris
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Cordyceps ophioglossoides
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