Ophiocordyceps sinensis , the flagship fungus of China: terminology, life strategy and ecology

The Chinese caterpillar fungus, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (syn. Cordyceps sinensis), is one of the most famous and perhaps the most expensive fungal species in the world. Its biology largely remains a secret, and its commercial cultivation is still a dream. Owing to its medicinal, economic, social and ecological importance, and its limited distribution mainly in China, O. sinensis is herein nominated as the national fungus of China and the fungus of the year (2012) for the journal Mycology. To clarify the confusion, a standard nomenclature is proposed and recommended in this paper for a comprehensive understanding of the terms related to Cordyceps sensu lato and O. sinensis. We also review recent research on the life cycle and distribution of this fungus, parasitism of ghost moths by the fungus, the microbial community of natural Chinese cordyceps and its insect hosts, as well as the secondary metabolites produced by the fungi isolated from natural Chinese cordyceps. By taking advantage of various expertise...