Chinese Tuber aestivum sensu lato in Europe

ABSTRACT

Two specimens of Tuber aestivum sensu lato from China were found between T. aestivum ascomata for sale in Italy. The morphological features of these ascomata were intermediate between those of T. aestivum and Tuber mesentericum. The spores were roundish and smaller than those of T. mesentericum and T. aestivum. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the Chinese specimens are placed in a separate clade to T. aestivum and T. mesentericum. This, together with the supporting morphological differences, strongly suggests that the two Chinese truffles are a separate taxon.