Molecular phylogenetic analysis of ribosomal DNA sequences suggests that the species occupies a distinct clade in the genus Tuber.

The specific epithet polyspermum refers to the large quantity of spores present in the fruit bodies.

[1] The truffles are brown to grayish-brown in color, measure 0.5–1.5 cm (0.2–0.6 in) in diameter, and usually have an umbilicate (navel-shaped) depression at the base.

The outer tissue layer, 50–100 μm thick, is made of somewhat angular to roughly spherical light brown cells that are typically 7.5–15 wide.

The inner layer (100–150 μm thick) is a type of tissue known as a textura intricata, consisting of irregularly interwoven hyphae.