Elaphomycetaceae

Elaphomycetaceae is a family of fungi in the order Eurotiales. The family is relatively small, with only one recognized genus, Elaphomyces. The species within this family are commonly referred to as "deer truffles" due to their physical resemblance to truffles and their consumption by deer.

Taxonomy

The family Elaphomycetaceae was first described by the French mycologist Lucien Quélet in 1886. The family is monotypic, containing only the genus Elaphomyces. The genus was first described by the Italian naturalist Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in 1772. The name Elaphomyces is derived from the Greek words elaphos (deer) and mykes (fungus), referring to the consumption of these fungi by deer.

Description

Species in the Elaphomycetaceae family are ectomycorrhizal, forming symbiotic relationships with the roots of various tree species. The fruit bodies of these fungi are typically subterranean and have a firm, often warty outer layer known as the peridium. The inner tissue, or gleba, contains the spores and is often dark and powdery at maturity.

Distribution and habitat

Elaphomycetaceae species are found worldwide, particularly in temperate and boreal regions. They are most commonly associated with coniferous forests, but can also be found in deciduous woodlands. The fungi are typically found under the soil surface, often near the base of trees with which they form symbiotic relationships.

Ecology

The fungi in the Elaphomycetaceae family play a crucial role in forest ecosystems. As ectomycorrhizal fungi, they help their host trees to absorb nutrients from the soil. In return, the trees provide the fungi with sugars produced through photosynthesis. The fruit bodies of these fungi are also an important food source for various animals, including deer, squirrels, and various species of rodents.

See also

• List of Eurotiales families
• Mycorrhiza
• Truffle

References

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