Himalayan Viagra: Caterpillar Fungus

  • On 9th July, 2020, Himalayan Viagra (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) has entered the IUCN’sRed List of Threatened Species under ‘vulnerable’ category.

Ophiocordyceps sinensis

  • It is an entomopathogenic fungus (a fungus that grows on insects) in the family Ophiocordycipitaceae.
  • It parasitizes larvae of ghost moths and produces a fruiting body which used to be valued as a herbal remedy.

Common names

  • In Tibet it is known yartsagunbu (summer grass winter bug).
  • The transliteration in Bhutan is yartsaguenboob.
  • In India, it is known as keerajhar, keedajadi, keedaghas or ghaasfafoond in Nepali, Hindi and Garhwali.
  • It is known in Chinese as dong chongxiacao.

Distribution

  • It is endemic to ....
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