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About Trey Tarrant
Expertise
I can answer questions about plant identification, plant care, plant pest management, landscaping, and general gardening questions. Please post a picture of the plant you wish to identify, if possible. If you say something like, "I've got this plant and it's green with long leaves and white flowers" and do not include a picture, chances are I won't be able to help you. I may not be able to help with plants that are not grown in the Southeast/ Eastern US, but you're welcome to try me.

Experience
Landscaping for 10 years. Horticulture Instructor at Lawson State Community College for 7 years.

Education/Credentials
M.S. in Horticulture from Auburn University.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Homework Help > Trees > Identifying Unknown Plants > truffles

Identifying Unknown Plants - truffles


Expert: Trey Tarrant - 1/8/2009

Question
The truffle (the part you eat) does not rise above ground to spread its spores.
What is its function and what scientific name does the part you eat have? Thank you.

Answer
Truffles are fungi, not plants, but I happen to know a little about them.  The part you eat is the fruiting body, or the spore containing structure.  It just doesn't rise above the soil like other fungi.  In truffle fungi, the fruiting body is called an ascoma.

Trey

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