As a follow on to Alice’s beginner’s guide I would like to recommend a free ebook by Roy Watling.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE LARGER FUNGI
This book was published in 1938 but is just as useful today when it comes to learning how to identify fungi, both macroscopically and microscopically.
The first part deals with collecting and examining fungi. Then there follows a key to the major genera. Roy describes common fungi you may find in a variety of habitats, also an overview of each genus. It is all well explained and easy to follow, the line drawings point out key features to aid identification. Some fungal names may have changed but they are easy enough to check online.
To access the book go to www.gutenberg.org select ‘search and browse’, enter ‘fungi’ in the Quick search bar and you will find 14 fungi books to browse. This is a free site. I also enjoyed:-
Rust, Smut, Mildew and Mould: Introduction to the Study of Microscopic Fungi by Mordecai Cubitt Cooke 1872
One of our early, pioneer botanist and mycologist, he provides plenty of good advice and information such as, ‘It is better to examine a small space thoroughly than to scamper on, mile after mile, and find nothing.’
We’ll have to remember that next field trip, no scampering!
Bisporella sulfurina a lovely micro fungus that grows on dead pyrenomycetes, taken by Pauline Penna.
This blog post was written by Pauline Penna