Thanks guys!
The find was Tuber aestivum syn. uncinatum and I found it quite by accident. I went to take root samples on one of our sites in Leicestershire, knelt down and found the fruiting body pushing up through the soil. I was shocked!
The truffle was completely immature (1-2months too early) and was at the base of one of our holm oak trees (Quercus ilex). The site is an ex-arable field in Leicestershire (pH modified with lime) and is 6 years old. This is now our oldest UK plantation and the owners are yet to train a dog (it looks like its been fruiting for a few years). The lack of truffle-dogs is common on most of our older sites, but hopefully this will convince people to start looking!
We found what we think may have been a truffle in woods near us years ago. Perhaps I ought to get a trained dog in as we have ancient woodland and suitable trees, so they may be growing there quite happily and quietly.
Glad things are starting to work out on the truffle front for you.
Nick
Joined: 02 Nov 2004 Posts: 34535 Location: Hereford
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 15 7:32 am Post subject:
Hmm. I bought and planted a tree from you years ago. I wonder if I should start digging...
Why Q ilex? Isn't that becoming a weed in some places?
Presumably, it's becoming a weed because it grows well. Sounds like the kind of thing you want in a plant, should you wish to grow lots of them. Maybe it isn't a weed if it's growing for a purpose?
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