False truffle

[1][2] While rodents such as squirrels eat a wide variety of false truffle species, many are considered toxic (Scleroderma species) or otherwise unpalatable and only a few are sought after as food for humans.

The rodents are attracted to a scent produced by the false truffle and ingest the spores.

Spores survive the intestinal tract of the rodents and are excreted in the fecal matter ready to germinate.

[6] During the evolutionary period of the false truffle it lost its mushroom cap shape and closed up to protect the spores from dryer or harsher conditions.

Different false truffle lineage can be traced to agarics, russulas, boletes, and chanterelles.