Tuber gibbosum

Tuber gibbosum, commonly known as the Oregon white truffle, is a species of truffle in the genus Tuber. It is found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, where it often grows with Douglas-fir.

Taxonomy

The species was first described by American mycologist Harvey Wilson Harkness in 1899. The specific epithet derives from the Latin word gibbosum meaning "humped", and refers to the irregular lobes and humps on larger specimens. T. gibbosum is part of the gibbosum clade of the genus Tuber. Species in this clade have unusual "peculiar wall thickenings on hyphal tips emerging from the peridial surface at maturity."

Description

The species grows up to across.
T. gibbosum resembles T. oregonense; both are found growing under Douglas-fir.

Distribution and habitat

It is found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, where it grows in association with Douglas-fir.

Uses

Tuber gibbosum is edible and can be prepared similarly to European truffles; it is typically used to add flavor to a dish.
It is commercially collected between as early as October and into March.