deer-truffle

Elaphomyces muricatus Fr. Fruit body 2–5cm across, globose, outer rind bright ochre-brown covered in pointed warts, inner much thicker and marbled purplish-brown; within these layers is an internal powdery spore mass which becomes grey-black as the spores mature. Asci globose, usually four-spored. Spores purplish-black, globose and warted, 18–24µ. Habitat subterranean in the top soil of pinewoods, less frequently in deciduous woods. Season all year but most easily found in autumn when the parasite Cordyceps ophioglossoides which often attacks this species may be seen above ground. Rare. Edibility unknown. Found In Europe ( http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/gallery/DisplayBlock~bid~5903~gid~~sourc… )