OpenAlex · 2026-07-01
Scientists have confirmed the first-ever sighting of the rare 'steppe truffle' (Gastrosporium simplex) in North Tyrol, Austria — a region far outside its known Pannonian range. The fungus was found in a tiny patch of dry limestone grassland, and genetic analysis confirmed its identity and evolutionary relationship to close relatives.
First confirmed record of Gastrosporium simplex in North Tyrol, extending its known range from the Pannonian lowlands into the Alps.
The population is restricted to a small area of south-facing, dry limestone grassland — a xerothermic habitat in succession from historical sheep and goat grazing land.
Molecular rDNA analysis confirmed species identity and showed G. simplex and G. gossypinum together form a monophyletic family within the order Phallales.