Terfezia leptoderma

Morphological Features:

Basidiocarp truffle-shaped, often globose and at other times more irregular, with possible presence of various protuberances; however, as a rule it is a species that tends to be quite regular in shape, with globose specimens predominating over other forms. Its diameter is variable, averaging between 2 and 5 cm, with exceptional specimens reaching up to 8 cm in diameter. Due to its hypogeous or semi-hypogeous growth, they are frequently stained with soil color; upon cleaning, the peridium becomes visible.

Peridium extremely thin; scraping lightly with a fingernail immediately reveals the gleba, as it possesses virtually no endoperidium, only an outer coating. It is ochraceous when young, turning reddish-brown; it is common to find reddish or ruddy tints over an ochre or brown base color. In damaged or handled areas, it tends to darken noticeably.

Gleba compact and veined, with a color that varies according to the degree of maturity of the specimen; initially whitish with pink veins representing the fertile portion. Over time, it darkens to grayish tones in the sterile portion and greenish, or eventually blackish, in the fertile portion.

Flesh compact and firm, hard, without a distinctive odor, and with a pleasant raw taste reminiscent of nuts.

Habitat:

This is a semi-hypogeous species that develops underground and briefly protrudes above the soil surface, making it difficult to spot with the naked eye. The collected specimens were found in Hinojosa del Valle and Monesterio, Badajoz province (Spain), within holm oak dehesas with an abundant presence of Tuberaria guttata, locally referred to as the "mother of the criadilla." It is a predominantly spring species that typically appears in groups associated with various Cistaceae species, not solely the one mentioned.

Observations:

Widely collected in certain southern peninsular regions under the common name "criadilla," it is the most common and abundant Terfezia species in southern Badajoz. Macroscopically, it differs from its congeners by its reddish tones and marked tendency to darken in bruised or handled areas. Terfezia arenaria=Terfezia leonis is a much better-known species, equally collected for culinary use; it is more whitish when young and does not darken, possesses a stronger odor, and has a notably thicker peridium. Terfezia claveryi features a pinkish gleba with a reddish-brown fertile zone; externally, it may be the species most similar to the one presented in this profile, and is a choice edible in any case.