Glowcap family

The glowcap family is a family of fungi found in the three main Pikmin games, as well as Pikmin Adventure. Both variants shed light and are found only underground. In Pikmin and Pikmin 2, they are only cosmetic, like most plants. However, in Pikmin 3, the Common Glowcap can be used as shelter from the Vehemoth Phosbat and can be used for light. This type of glowcap is also used in Pikmin Adventure to briefly light up cave sections, which is what happens when touched.

Members

Common Glowcap

Main article: Common Glowcap.

Scientific name: Fungi luminarium

Common Glowcaps resemble common mushrooms, and their glow is always of a pale blue; this is due, according to Olimar's notes, to a radioactive isotope known to Hocotatians as "Hocotatium 111".

Glowstem

Main article: Glowstem.

Scientific name: Nocturnica illuminati

Rather than actual fungi, Glowstems are LEDs (light emitting diodes) with either a green or orange light. If touched, the light will flicker for a moment, and then return to normal. They are found in caves with metallic scenery.

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning	Notes
German	Glühkäppchen	Glowing hats	Käppchen is the minimisation of the German word Kappe, which emphasizes the small size of the caps.
Spanish (NoA)	Sombrerillos luminiscentes (Common Glowcap) Tallos luminiscentes (Glowstem)	Luminescent little hats Luminescent stems	In the Latin American Spanish localization, the 2 members of this family have their own individual families.