Fungi: A Species Guide

by Peter Roberts, Shelley Evans

Fungi are an indispensable part of the great chain of life: more than 90% of the world's plant species depend on them for their nutrition. There are believed to be about 1.5 million species, thriving in virtually every habitat, from temperate to tropical, Antarctic to marine. Using beautifully coloured illustrations, this book dips into the whole range, showcasing the unusual, the familiar, the poisonous and the delicious, and sharing the stories of puffballs, deadly webcaps and devils' fingers, among others. Some are cultivated for use in different cuisines, while others are heralded for their hallucinogenic properties, or valued for use in medicine. Essential information on distribution, uses and growth partnerships is included for each species featured.

Get to know what makes mushrooms magic in this handy, colourful book.

Genres: Biology

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 6, 2021

About the author

Peter Roberts, now retired, was formerly a Senior Mycologist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Reviews

[Jenn L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book; the illustrations are incredible!
It's definitely a coffee table book rather than a field guide as it shows mushrooms from across the world.
It's a fascinating book for anyone interested in fungi!

[I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review]

[Hrap Bookskibop · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an IMPRESSIVE guide on fungi! Lots and lots of up to date names based on recent taxonomic studies (with a handful of European specific names still used for NA fungi, but overall very impressive, relevant information!)

Traits, notes & descriptions are concise (a skill absent in mycology) as well as highly informative. Look a-likes are covered, fun anecdotes, history, DNA studies and more.

I’m still not sure what my go to “1 fits all” up-to-date, guide on fungi is, but this is definitely in my top recommendations as of 2023!

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple, fun read for anyone at least mildly interested in fungi.

My new favourite fungi included in this book were:
Mauve parachute (they're so cute!)
Indigo milkcap (rare food that is naturally blue)
Devil's fingers (looks like a humboldt squid)
Flaming scalycap (the one I most want to touch)

[beets4borshenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little read.