Elaphomyces

Elaphomyces is a genus of ectomycorrhizal fungi, commonly known as false truffles. These fungi form symbiotic relationships with trees, primarily conifers and some hardwoods, where they enhance nutrient and water uptake for the host plant in exchange for carbohydrates. Elaphomyces species are characterized by their subterranean fruiting bodies, or truffles, which develop underground. These truffles are typically spherical to irregular in shape and can range in size from small marbles to larger, golf-ball-sized structures. The peridium, or outer skin, is often tough and leathery, varying in color from brown to black, and may be covered in a fine layer of soil or debris.

Internally, the gleba, which contains the spores, is typically dark brown to black and can be marbled with lighter veins. Unlike true truffles, Elaphomyces gleba often remains firm and solid, without developing the distinct chambers seen in some other truffle genera. The spores are usually large, spherical to ovoid, and possess a thick, ornamented outer wall, often with reticulations or spines, which aids in their dispersal. Elaphomyces fungi are found in temperate and boreal regions worldwide, often associated with pine, spruce, and fir forests. Their subterranean nature and tough peridia make them less appealing to many common truffle dispersers like mammals, suggesting alternative dispersal mechanisms or a preference for more specialized dispersers. They play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by facilitating nutrient cycling and supporting the health of their host trees.