Fulginia

Fulginia is a genus of fungi in the family Sclerodermataceae. Species within this genus are typically hypogeous, meaning they grow underground, and are characterized by a tough, leathery peridium that encloses a gleba. The gleba, which contains the spores, often changes color as it matures, frequently becoming dark brown or black. Fulginia species are saprobic, playing a role in the decomposition of organic matter, particularly in forest ecosystems. They are not commonly encountered by the general public due to their subterranean habit, and their edibility is largely unknown or unstudied. Distribution and habitat vary among the species, but they are generally found in temperate regions. Identification often relies on microscopic examination of spore morphology, as macroscopic features can be subtle. Research into Fulginia is less extensive compared to more conspicuous fungal groups, and its ecological significance continues to be explored by mycologists.