#elaphomyces

[wild-e-eep]

Elaphomyces granulatus is a truffle-like fungus that inhabits conifer plantations. It is rarely seen as it grows a few centimeters beneath the surface. It is occasionally parasitised by an earth tongue Tolypocladium capitatum that sprouts from the truffle and heads upwards, breaching the surface so it can deposit its spores on the wind.

[mushrooms-switzerland]

Kopfige Kernkeule, Tolypocladium capitatum on the top of a elaphomyces granulatus 17.10.22

[bio-child]

Raking for Truffles!

[wild-e-eep]

Like regular truffles, false truffles - Elaphomyces granulatus - grow underground and rely on mammals to sniff them out and dig them up for spore dispersal. To this end, they smell quite interesting, but are not considered good to eat (for humans.)