The Intriguing Origins Of Cordyceps In New Zealand

There are many medicinal mushrooms within the Cordyceps genus that have been traditionally used throughout Asia and other parts of the world for centuries.

In recent years, Cordyceps mushrooms have become increasingly popular for their potential role in supporting energy, endurance, vitality, and overall wellbeing.

What many people don’t realise is that New Zealand has its own fascinating history connected to Cordyceps species as well.

Cordyceps in New Zealand

The Māori people were among the first known users of Cordyceps in New Zealand.

A native species known as Ophiocordyceps robertsii, traditionally referred to as āwheto or “vegetable caterpillar,” has long been recognised within Māori culture.

Today, the best-known medicinal Cordyceps species globally are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris, however New Zealand’s native Cordyceps species remains one of the country’s most intriguing fungi.

The Curious Case of the Vegetable Caterpillar

Ophiocordyceps robertsii is an entomopathogenic fungus, meaning it grows by infecting insects.

In this case, the fungus infects underground moth larvae living within the forest floor. As the fungus develops, it eventually transforms the caterpillar into a mummified fungal structure before producing a fruiting body that emerges above the soil.

This strange and fascinating lifecycle is one of the reasons Cordyceps mushrooms have attracted so much scientific and cultural interest over the years.

Traditional Māori Use

The earliest recorded cultural use of Cordyceps robertsii dates back to the 1800s within Māori communities.

Known traditionally as āwheto or vegetable caterpillar, it played an important role in traditional Māori tattooing practices (Tā moko).

When burned, āwheto produced a particularly dark black ash. This soot was mixed with animal fat and plant materials to create tattoo ink with a rich black colour.

Historical records also suggest Māori traditionally consumed the vegetable caterpillar as food and may have used it within aspects of rongoā (traditional Māori healing practices).

The First Fungus Named in New Zealand

Cordyceps robertsii is one of approximately 15 Cordyceps species recorded in New Zealand.

It was also the first fungus formally identified and named as a new species in New Zealand in 1836.

Its unusual appearance and lifecycle continue to make it one of New Zealand’s most iconic fungi.

Modern Interest in Cordyceps

In modern wellness practices, the species most commonly used in supplements are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris.

These species have become popular due to growing scientific interest in their potential health-supporting properties.

Cordyceps supplements are commonly used to support:

• Energy and vitality
• Exercise performance and endurance
• Oxygen utilisation
• Focus and alertness
• Immune system support
• General wellbeing and resilience

Cordyceps has also traditionally been associated with longevity, stamina, and overall vitality in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

A Truly Fascinating Mushroom

Cordyceps is one of the most unique and fascinating mushroom genera in the natural world.

Its remarkable lifecycle, rich traditional history, and growing popularity in modern wellness have made it one of the most talked about medicinal mushrooms today.

At Flow State, we aim to make medicinal mushrooms such as Cordyceps more accessible through easy-to-use extracts, capsules, and powder blends.

You can explore our range of Cordyceps products and learn more about how medicinal mushrooms may support energy, vitality, and overall wellbeing.