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Parasect, a Pokémon controlled by the tochukaso on its back

Tochukaso (Japanese: 冬虫夏草 tōchūkasō) is a rare species of parasitic mushroom that grows on Paras and Parasect.


Paras removing its tochukaso

Tochukaso spores are attached to Paras Eggs, causing hatchlings to be doused in them upon birth. As the Paras grows, so does the tochukaso. The tochukaso orders its host to suck nutrients from tree roots and trunks, then absorbs most of the nutrition itself. When the Paras evolves into Parasect, the tochukaso takes complete control of the host and does all the thinking.

Tochukaso prefer damp, dark places, so Parasect are typically found in those locations. The fungus scatters its toxic spores from the mushroom cap, and uses the host to help distribute these spores.

In anime episode Clefairy and the Moon Stone, the lighting Team Rocket hung up in Mt. Moon confused the Paras, causing them to remove their tochukaso and plant them in the ground, as the fungus dislikes bright light.


Tochukaso spores can be used to make a herbal medicine which can be used to extend life. This medicine is commonly made in China.

In anime episode The Problem with Paras, Cassandra tried to evolve her Paras into Parasect in order to harvest its spores to produce a miracle potion, which improves a Pokémon's attack power, defenses, concentration, determination, and intellect. Her Paras eventually evolved, so she and her grandmother set up a business to produce and sell miracle potions.


Tochukaso is the Japanese name of caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), a real-world endoparasitoid fungus that replaces the host tissue and can affect the behavior of its insect host. The fungus is often used in traditional Chinese medicine, specifically as an aphrodisiac and for treatment for ailments such as fatigue and cancer.


  • As Paras and Parasect are often found in the wild holding them, and due to their visual similarity, Tiny Mushrooms and Big Mushrooms may be tochukaso.

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 冬蟲夏草 Dūngchùhnghahchóu
Mandarin 冬蟲夏草 / 冬虫夏草 Dōngchóngxiàcǎo
France Flag.png French Tochukaso
Germany Flag.png German Tochukaso
Italy Flag.png Italian Tochukaso
South Korea Flag.png Korean 동충하초 Dongchunghacho
Malaysia Flag.png Malaysian Tochukaso
Brazil Flag.png Brazilian Portuguese Tochukaso
Spain Flag.png Spanish Tochukaso
Thailand Flag.png Thai โทจูคะโซ Tochukaso
Vietnam Flag.png Vietnamese Đông trùng hạ thảo

See also

Bulbanews has an article related to this subject: