Tuberaceae

Tuberaceae is a family of fungi in the division Ascomycota, class Pezizomycetes, and order Pezizales. Members are primarily known for producing subterranean, tuber-shaped fruiting bodies and forming ectomycorrhizal relationships with trees.

The sporocarp is typically underground or partly buried, with a peridium (outer skin) enclosing a compact gleba that contains asci and ascospores. Many species produce strong odors that attract animals, which disperse the spores after consuming the fruiting bodies. The fruiting bodies may be irregular or rounded, and surface textures range from smooth to tuberculate.

The best-known genus is Tuber, the type genus of the family, which includes several edible truffles such as Tuber magnatum (white truffle) and Tuber melanosporum (black truffle). The family also comprises other related genera, with molecular studies supporting Tuberaceae as a distinct lineage within Pezizales.

Ecology and distribution: Tuberaceae species occur in temperate forests around the world, forming ectomycorrhizal associations with a variety of trees, especially hardwoods and conifers. They play a role in nutrient exchange between host roots and soil and rely on animals for spore dispersal rather than wind.

Human use and cultivation: True truffles from this family are prized for their aroma and culinary value. They are harvested with the help of trained animals, and some species are cultivated by inoculating tree roots with compatible mycelia under orchard-like conditions.