Thecocarpus

Thecocarpus is a genus of fungi belonging to the family Sclerodermataceae. These fungi are characterized by their hypogeous, or subterranean, fruiting bodies. This means their reproductive structures, or sporocarps, typically grow underground. The sporocarps of Thecocarpus are often irregular in shape and can vary in size. They develop a tough, leathery peridium, which is the outer wall of the fruiting body. Internally, the sporocarp is filled with a gleba, which contains the spores. The gleba is often firm and may become powdery or gelatinous with maturity. The spores of Thecocarpus are typically spherical to subspherical and have a thick, ornamented exospore, meaning their outer layer is rough or patterned.

The genus Thecocarpus is found in various parts of the world, often associated with the ectomycorrhizal relationships with trees. They are not widely known for their edibility, and many subterranean fungi are difficult to identify without microscopic examination. The ecological role of Thecocarpus primarily involves nutrient cycling within forest ecosystems through their symbiotic association with plant roots. Research into this genus is ongoing, with taxonomic classifications sometimes being revised based on new genetic and morphological data. The name "Thecocarpus" itself is derived from Greek words, likely referring to the enclosed or housed nature of its fruit body.