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A sporocarp is a specialised type of fruiting body (e.g. in certain species of ferns such as Pilularia or fungi), whose primary function is the production and release of spores.

In fungi, Large sporocarps that are found above the ground are generally called mushrooms, while those found below the ground are usually called truffles. The latter have generally lost the ability to disperse their spores via air currents, so are dependent upon animals to consume and subsequently disperse their spores. This sort of animal-fungus mutualistic relationship is exemplified in the coniferous forests of western North America, where the many different kinds of subterranean fungi that form mycorrhizal associations with trees are dependent upon flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus), chipmunks (genus Tamias) and red-backed voles (genus Clethrionomys) to disperse their spores.