Choiromyces aboriginum

Choiromyces aboriginum is a species of truffle-like fungi in genus Choiromyces, which is part of the Tuberaceae family. It is found in several regions in Australia, where it has been used as a food and as a source of water.

Choiromyces aboriginum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Pezizomycetes
Order: Pezizales
Family: Tuberaceae
Genus: Choiromyces
Species:
C. aboriginum
Binomial name
Choiromyces aboriginum
Trappe

Distribution

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This fungus is found in the dry areas of South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Uses

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In Australia, it has been used as traditional native food and has also been used as a source of water. The fruiting bodies were eaten raw or cooked and Kalotas reported one experience, as follows: "They were cooked in hot sand and ashes for over an hour, and then eaten. They had a rather soft consistency (a texture akin to that of soft, camembert-like cheese) and a bland taste. Cooked specimens left for 24 hours and then reheated developed a flavour like that of baked cheese."[1]

References

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  1. ^ Arpad Kalotas in Fungi of Australia, Volume 1B. http://www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/aboriginal.html