Hypogeous Fungi in Mediterranean Maquis, Arid and Semi-Arid Forests

Hypogeous fungi are common in arid and semi-arid areas of the Mediterranean basin and in particular they are found in Italy, Spain, northern African countries (especially in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia) and in the Middle East. These fungi and in particular some species belonging to the genus Tuber, and the desert truffles (Terfezia spp. and Tirmania spp.) form ascomata of considerable economic value. In this review, a panorama of hypogeous fungal diversity and information on their ecology in Mediterranean arid and semi-arid ecosystems have been reported; their economical importance and cultivation potential are also underlined.