Terfeziaceae

Terfeziaceae

The Terfeziaceae is a family of fungi in the order Pezizales. The family is commonly known as desert truffles, and they are found in arid and semi-arid climates around the world.

Taxonomy

The family Terfeziaceae was first described by the French mycologist René Maire in 1909. The family includes several genera, including Terfezia, Tirmania, and Mattiroloomyces.

Description

Members of the Terfeziaceae family are ectomycorrhizal fungi, forming symbiotic relationships with the roots of various plant species. The fruiting bodies of these fungi, known as truffles, are typically subterranean and can vary greatly in size and shape.

Distribution and Habitat

Terfeziaceae are found in arid and semi-arid regions around the world, including parts of North Africa, the Middle East, and North America. They are particularly associated with plant species in the family Cistaceae, such as rock roses.

Culinary Use

Some species of Terfeziaceae, particularly those in the Terfezia and Tirmania genera, are prized for their culinary value. These desert truffles have been used in traditional Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries.

See Also

• Pezizales
• Mycorrhiza
• Truffle

External Links

• Index Fungorum
• NCBI Taxonomy Browser