Labyrinthomyces facts for kids

Labyrinthomyces is a group of special fungi known as truffles. These truffles belong to the Tuberaceae family, which includes many well-known truffle species. A scientist named Karel Bernard Boedijn first described this group in 1939. Today, there are seven known species of Labyrinthomyces, and all of them are found in Australia.

What are Truffles?

Truffles are a type of fungus that grows underground. They are often found near the roots of trees. Truffles have a unique, strong smell and taste. This makes them very popular in cooking. Many animals, like pigs and dogs, can be trained to find them.

How Truffles Grow

Truffles form a special relationship with trees. This is called a symbiosis. The truffle helps the tree absorb water and nutrients. In return, the tree provides the truffle with sugars. These sugars are made through photosynthesis. This partnership helps both the tree and the truffle grow.

Discovering Labyrinthomyces

The genus Labyrinthomyces was officially named in 1939. This was done by Karel Bernard Boedijn, a Dutch botanist. When a scientist "circumscribes" a genus, it means they define its features. They also list the species that belong to it. Boedijn's work helped us understand these unique Australian truffles better.

Species of Labyrinthomyces

There are currently seven known species in the Labyrinthomyces genus. Each species has its own specific characteristics. They are all found in Australia. Scientists continue to study these fungi. They want to learn more about their roles in the environment.

• L. donkii
• L. phymatodeus
• L. steenisii
• L. tessellatus
• L. turbinatus
• L. varius
• L. westraliensis

Where Labyrinthomyces Lives

All known species of Labyrinthomyces are native to Australia. This means they naturally grow there. Australia has many unique plants and animals. Its diverse ecosystems provide homes for many types of fungi, including these truffles.

See also

• Fungus
• Truffle