fungi

Enjoy Patricia Negus’ fungi illustrations in this completely updated and enlarged edition of this landmark book. This stunning collection of watercolours explore the fungi of Australia’s southwest.

Approximately 75 percent of all fungi that have been described to date belong to the phylum Ascomycota. They are usually referred to as Ascomycetes and are commonly found and collected by mushroom enthusiasts. Ascomycetes exhibit a remarkable range of biodiversity, are beautiful and visually complex, and some, including morels and truffles, are highly prized for their edibility. Many play significant roles in plant ecology because of the mycorrhizal associations that they form. Thus it is remarkable that no book dedicated to describing and illustrating the North American Ascomycetes has been published in over sixty years.Filling the gap between technical publications and the limited representation of Ascomycetes in general mushroom field guides, “Ascomycete Fungi of North America” is a scientifically accurate work dedicated to this significant group of fungi. Because it is impossible to describe and illustrate the tens of thousands of species that occur in North America, the authors focus on species found in the continental United States and Canada that are large enough to be readily noticeable to mycologists, naturalists, photographers, and mushroom hunters. They provide 843 color photographs and more than 600 described species, many of which are illustrated in color for the first time. While emphasizing macroscopic field identification characteristics for a general audience, the authors also include microscopic and other advanced information useful to students and professional mycologists. In addition, a color key to the species described in this book offers a visual guide to assist in the identification process.

Over 100 mushrooms in the genus Tricholoma have been reported in North America. Filling the gap between technical publications and the limited representation of Tricholomas in general mushroom field guides, this book is the first comprehensive guide to North American Tricholomas. With over 170 full colour photographs this book illustrates the dramatic variation exhibited by many Tricholomas. The species descriptions provide extensive identification information including scientific and common names, macroscopic and microscopic features, occurrence/habit, edibility, and a comment section that addresses such things as synonomy, comparisons with similar species, varietial differences, explanations of species’ epithets, and other useful or interesting information.
In addition, the authors provide a general introduction to Tricholomas that discusses identification features, ecology, simple chemical tests (for identification), and how to use the keys provided in this book.

An incredibly versatile cooking ingredient containing an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and possibly cancer-fighting properties, mushrooms are among the most expensive and sought-after foods on the planet. Yet when it comes to fungi, culinary uses are only the tip of the iceberg. Throughout history fungus has been prized for its diverse properties, medicinal, ecological, even recreational, and has spawned its own quirky subculture dedicated to exploring the weird biology and celebrating the unique role it plays on earth. In this book, accomplished food writer and cookbook author Eugenia Bone examines the role of fungi as exotic delicacy, curative, poison, and hallucinogen, and ultimately discovers that a greater understanding of fungi is key to facing many challenges of the 21st century. Engrossing, surprising, and packed with up-to-date science and cultural exploration, this book is part narrative and part primer for foodies, science buffs, environmental advocates, and anyone interested in learning a lot about one of the least understood and most curious organisms in nature.