Large termitomyces species that grows in small groups on or near termite colonies. Absence of a ring distinguishes it from T. letestui and T. titanicus that look similar. T. globulus has a smooth, shiny, golden-brown cap without a well-defined umbo.

Records are from across Africa including Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The estimated area of occupancy (AOO) of this species is much larger than 80 km², and its estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is much larger than 8.1 million km².

The Marcotermes and Odontotermes termite species with which this fungus is associated are generally common and widespread.

Even though the trend of the population of the fungus is not quite well known, a decline in numbers of sporophores of this species has been explicitly noted by Ghanaian smallholders, and attributed to climate change and land degradation (Peprah , 2020). The fungus is, however, under-recorded scientifically because sporophores are ephemeral. There are currently 13 widely distributed records and observations on GBIF (November 2025).

There is currently not enough supporting data available necessitating efforts to monitor population trends in other parts of its range. The population likely is in decline as there are a number of threats affecting both the fungus and the termite species.

Sporophores grow singly around the termite mound base and are associated with several species of Macrotermes including M. amplus, M. muelleri, M. bellicosus, and M. nobilis., and one species of Odontotermes, O.badius. Seasonality of sporophore production is dependent of the timing of the rain. The termites with which this fungus is associated are generally common across a variety of habitats.

Habitats in which this species occurs include protected areas; cultivated ground (fallow, homesteads); grassland (sandy soil savanna); woodland (degraded moist-deciduous tropical forest, secondary forest, dense wet forest).

Relevant threats include climate variability, land degradation, exploitation and habitat destruction. Change in annual precipitation and seasonal variability affect this species. In the context of agricultural development termitaria are repeatedly and deliberately destroyed. Additionally, the use of pesticides applied to control termites that damage crops also destroy the termite-fungus. Being an edible species, exploitation of the fungus as a food source is an added threat. Over-exploitation of the termite mounds as a building material for brick houses is another threat to the fungus. In poor economic situations, the immediate financial return on selling bricks far outweighs that of a seasonal, uncertain crop of termite-fungi. The associated Macrotermes species are also the most commonly edible termite species across Sub-Saharan Africa. Another recorded threat is the hunting of various rodents (Rattus spp.) that use the termitaria as home, as hunters will destroy the whole termite nest in the process.

An important first step would be to have countries from which this species is known include fungi in their CBD national biodiversity strategies, action plans and reports. Reducing the pressure from harvesting by controlling the number and size of harvests per season could ensure sustainability of the fungus. Protecting the associated termite nest from destruction through agriculture would also help.

Fieldwork to better document fine scale distribution patterns, population size, and population trends. There is currently not enough supporting data available necessitating efforts to monitor population trends in other parts of its range. Thus, national assessments should be prioritized throughout the range to better understand the rate of species decline.

This is a choice edible species that is widely collected by foragers. Members of this genus have both medicinal and veterinary values. In Ghana, this species is widely used as a blood tonic and is believed to lower blood pressure. In Cameroon, it is used to treat ear inflammation, rheumatism pains and paralysis. Sale and trade of this species is an important component of the rural economy and supports livelihoods.