Terfezia magnusii

Morphological Features:

Fruiting body smaller in size than its relative Choiromyces meandriformis; generally, its diameter ranges between 3 and 6 cm. It has a highly irregular shape, globose or tuber-like, but is never perfectly round; instead, it features numerous hump-like protrusions that often give it a deformed appearance.

Peridium smooth and non-dehiscent, rarely revealing the gleba; it only cracks in old and mature specimens, less prominently than in Choiromyces meandriformis. It may be cream-colored when very young, but quickly turns earth-toned or ochre, and even adopts ferruginous hues in more developed specimens.

Stipe absent.

Gleba compact and solid, whitish or cream-colored in young specimens; over time it turns flesh-colored to reddish-brown. It is traversed throughout its flesh by simple whitish veins that widen at maturity and become more pronounced upon specimen desiccation. The taste of this fungus is sweet and mild; when young it is practically odorless, though it develops a somewhat more noticeable and unpleasant odor in older specimens.

Habitat:

This is a hypogeous or semi-hypogeous Ascomycete, as part of its fruiting body often emerges above ground or causes soil mounds due to its proximity to the surface. It is a predominantly spring-fruiting species that grows in open, uncultivated areas with red soil and often livestock presence, near rockroses (Cistus sp.). It is a rare species due to its highly localized distribution and consequently limited range. It has been collected in the La Serena region, Badajoz province (Spain).

Observations:

This is an edible species collected in several southern Spanish provinces under the common names turma or criadilla jarera. Confusion with Choiromyces meandriformis is hazardous, as the latter is a toxic species with pronounced purgative effects. The distinguishing features of the species presented here are its habitat, veins that lack a meandering pattern, smaller size, and, most clearly, its spore ornamentation.