Fungi of Aotearoa: A Curious Forager's Field Guide

by Liv Sisson

The complete introduction to finding, identifying and using mushrooms and other fungi in New Zealand

Enter and explore the fascinating world of fungi.

In this practical and up-to-date guide, forager and fungus enthusiast Liv Sisson shares her top tips and takes the reader on a journey to discover the unique and diverse fungi Aotearoa has to offer.

Discover how to identify the best edible varieties, and how to cook with them, how these incredible organisms have shaped the world as we know it, and the role they are playing in modern medical and environmental research.

Featuring stunning full-colour photographs, fun facts and current descriptions of over 130 species (including our brilliant blue national fungus, werewere kokako), Fungi of Aotearoa is packed full of information and advice that will delight armchair enthusiasts, backcountry explorers and budding experts alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Reference, Gardening

338 pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2023

Reviews

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda fun different kind of book for me to dip into while reading other stuff. The photography is beautiful and very inspiring to see that women can have cute nails while mushroom foraging

[Oscar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book for foraging. Also all the science of fungi is well written and very interesting.

[Troy Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly eye opening to the world beneath our feet 🍄

[Kylie Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

[George Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in one sitting. Mind-blowing to learn about the encompassing power fungi currently has and could yet have on the planet. One of my favourite books of the year so far.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating. Love the insight into this micro world and have a new appreciation for fungi. Some of the science went over my head but the Māori references were really interesting and the pictures were stunning. It would have been good to see more pictures of different stages in life but then that would have ballooned the book out I imagine. I wonder if there's an app for fungi hunting and foraging?

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! Such great information around identifying and foraging for mushrooms and a comprehensive field guide. Bring on the foraging!

[Jess Kokshoorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read!

[Simon Fung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book!

It has a very facinating introduction to all things mushroom, with a very vibrant writing style (the author's voice really comes through). There were many absolutely gorgeous photographs throughout the book.

The last half of the book is more of a reference to help identification. I don't think it's meant to be read page to page. Good top-line information there to help with identification.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book packed with interesting facts and features and gorgeous photos and so much more. Very well researched and if you are interested in foraging for fungi in NZ this is a must have book for you! (Note: I did not read the kindle edition - but the gorgeous printed book)

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read...full color plate after plate. The material is well researched, footnotes and references at the end of the book. Comprehensive...money well spent.

[Sam 🌱🌱 · Rating 5 out of 5]

MUSHROOMS

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations, and alerted us to what we could (and could not eat).

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Readable, beautiful photographs.

[Mikayla Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little read

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly interesting read about all things fungi in Aotearoa New Zealand - 4 stars ⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

gonna go out fungi hunting now

[Cathy Yang · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a good book to bring for outdoor recreation. Very insightful!!!

[Mary Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant in depth, gorgeous photos and beautifully written

[Fiona Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this easy reading and interesting with good navigation. Thr layout is great and I love the illustrations. Most of all, I appreciate how fascinating this book is.

[Anna Batten · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s really pretty and the writing is engaging. I would say that unless you are interested in this topic it’s probably not for you.

[IE · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised that this book is written in a creative interesting style, I was kind of expecting a boring textbook, which this is not, so I think the writing is really well done. However, I didn’t like the authors glorifying of mrna vaccines, nor the ‘fond’ media memories around the covid pandemic in NZ. For some reason the nail polish photos felt uncomfortable to me, I guess because in the photos there are such beautiful wonders of nature, the fungus, but then plasticy-acrylic-fake-looking nail polish holding it, strangely jarring and unnatural. It’s just not my cup of tea, but I did like that the author is approachable and lets her personal style and individuality shine through, and the book is inspiring, a wonderful collection of NZ fungi.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one book you can judge by it's cover!

The stunning photograph and fabulous font hint at what lies within.

The photos are nearly all half a page or larger, which combined with the books size (A5) make it a both a visual feast but also aids identification.

The writing style is easy-going, yet is still detailed and informative.

The earlier chapters provide lots of interesting and sometime surprising (for me at least) facts about fungi.

It's labelled as a field guide, but it's probably a bit too large/heavy. Probably best to keep it at home away from harm :O)