Truffle-like fungi have evolved from mushroom-like ancestors and are unable to forcibly discharge their spores, rather sequestering them in closed caps. The truffle-like morphology has independently evolved on multiple occasions throughout the fungal kingdom. It has been suggested to have arisen in response to dry climates where fruit body desiccation prior to maturation would severely reduce reproductive success. Evidence from time of emergence studies of truffle-like fungi indicates that past aridification events in Australia may have played an important role in their evolution. The inability to forcibly discharge spores also makes truffle-like fungi highly dependent on animal vectors for dispersal. To encourage dispersal by animals Truffle-like fungi have evolved different attractants, most notably the production of aromatic compounds and bright colours.
While evolutionary drivers have been suggested for the selection of truffle-like fungi, very little is understood about the underlying molecular mechanisms that have facilitated the transition from the mushroom-like state to the truffle-like habit.
Here we present current knowledge in the evolution of truffle-like fungi with an emphasis on New Zealand taxa.