The Italian white truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico) forms mycorrhizal rela
tionships, with the roots of;Sor example, poplars, willows, oaks, aspe
n, alder and hazelnut in Northern Italy and in small areas of Southern
France, Switzerland and Yugoslavia. Its fruiting bodies, which are ha
rvested in autumn and early winter, have a strong aroma and taste and
are much sought-after by chefs and gourmets. Because they do not prese
rve well, good quality Italian white truffle is unavailable Sor much o
f the year. The vegetation, climate and soils where T. magnatum grows
in Italy are described and compared with those found in similar areas
in New Zealand. Market information and methods for cultivating T. magn
atum are also presented.