
Genea harknessii

"Genea harknessii" is a species of "Genea" truffle-like Ascocarp fungi in the family Pyronemataceae. The species was described by Helen Gilkey in 1916. "G. harknessii" grows underground in forests, especially white oak forests, but also in coniferous forests. The mature fruit has a convoluted, brain-like appearance and often is no larger than an adult's thumbnail. The exterior is dark brown (to nearly black) with a hollow interior. The flesh between the dark interior and exterior 'skin' is white to pale grey.