Barssia oregonensis

Barssia oregonensis is a species of ascomycete fungus in the family Helvellaceae. It is the type species of the genus Barssia, and is commonly found in Oregon, which it is named for.

Description
Barssia oregonensis is reddish-yellow in color and between 1 and 2.5cm in diameter. It's exterior appears lumpy and rounded in nature with less distinct warts then other truffles. The exterior folds into itself at a singular point, and the entirety of the exterior is covered in coarse hyphae. B. oregonensis' interior is translucent white and appears marbled. The interior has central channels which do not appear translucent and somewhat mimics the exterior in shape/form, not unlike the human brain, these channels penetrate the Gleba in multiple places.

Reproduction
Barssia oregonensis releases its fungal spores seasonally in the spring and into early summertime.

By humans
Barssia oregonensis is an edible species of truffle and is described as having a pleasant taste. While edible, B. oregonensis is not often found in large enough quantities to be considered a regular delicacy even where it is most prevalent.

By animals
There is evidence that B. oregonensis is seasonally consumed by other animals, such as chipmunks, within its ecosystem.

History
Barssia oregonensis was first described by Helen Gilkey in 1925, who named it in honor of Professor H. P. Barss who first collected B. oregonensis in Oregon. This was then published in the Journal Mycologia, from the Mycological Society of America in December of 1925 Vol. 17 No. 6.

Ecological associations
Barssia oregonensis is commonly found alongside Douglas Fir trees which are considered its primary host. This association is useful in truffling and the best way to locate B. oregonensis in the wild.

Location
As its name suggests, Barssia oregonensis is primarily found in Oregon, United States, although it is not exclusive to the area. Other areas within the United States where B. oregonensis can be found includes the Great plains region.

B. oregonensis has reportedly also been found in the Polish Tatra Mountains.