Costa Rica Species
Macrocybe titans
FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Macrocybe titans

Giant Mushroom

(H.E. Bigelow & Kimbr.) Pegler, Lodge & Nakasone, 1998

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Massive-sized fungus with a cap that can exceed 50 cm in diameter and extremely thick stalks. The cap color varies from creamy white to grayish or buff. The gills are dense and white, and the stalk usually features a highly developed bulbous base.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

Hongo giganteHongo colosoColossus mushroomGiant Macrocybe

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Basidiomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Agaricomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Agaricales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Tricholomataceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Macrocybe
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(H.E. Bigelow & Kimbr.) Pegler, Lodge & Nakasone, 1998
Record Completeness
93%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

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EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.

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Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.

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Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.

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Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Wet Season

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Native to the subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas, from Florida to Brazil. It prefers soils rich in organic matter, often appearing in disturbed areas, grasslands, gardens, or near tree roots.

SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang

Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

It is a terrestrial saprotroph that grows solitary or in massive clusters. Despite its size, its fruiting body develops remarkably fast during the rainy season, taking advantage of the decomposition of dead roots or buried organic matter.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

20.0 - 100.0 cm

Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.

No hymenium surface images available.

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Fungal gigantism that maximizes the hymenium surface for massive spore production.
Bulbous base and aggressive mycelium that allows firm anchoring and nutrient extraction from large volumes of soil.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Intensive use of pesticides and herbicides in gardens and agricultural areas where it often appears.
Accelerated urbanization destroying its potential habitats in subtropical zones.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

Specimens of this species weighing more than 20 kg have been documented in Florida, being one of the heaviest mushrooms in the world.
It is edible, but should be consumed with caution as it can accumulate heavy metals from the soil and its flavor can be very strong.

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.