Polypores and Similar Fungi of Eastern and Central North America

About this book

This the first colour-illustrated reference to polypores and similar fungi specific to the eastern and central regions of the United States and Canada to be published since Gilbertson & Ryvarden’s 1987 North American Polypores. Welcoming and comprehensive, it accurately presents the currently available information about polypores, emphasizes identification based primarily on macroscopic field characters, and includes observational data drawn from the authors' extensive experience. It includes new species and genera; addresses changing nomenclature; and provides details about polypores' biology, morphology, composition, role as parasites, interactions with various arthropods, and purported medicinal applications. The book also highlights how changes in geology, soil structure, and plant species due to factors such as continental drift and climate change have affected the evolution of polypores. Featuring more than 240 species of polypores, extensive and easy-to-use dichotomous keys, and more than 300 colour illustrations and multiple maps and line drawings, Polypores and Similar Fungi of Eastern and Central North America is a must-have for amateur and professional mycologists, forest service personnel, mycophagists, and anyone interested in learning more about this remarkable group of fungi.

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
    Geographic Area Covered by This Book
    What Is a Polypore?
    Macrocharacteristics of Polypores
    Microcharacteristics of Polypores: Hyphal Systems
    Polypore Nomenclature and Taxonomy: A Brief History
    Historical and Contemporary Uses of Polypores
    Evolution of Polypores and Their Host Trees
    Forest Regions of the Eastern and Central United States and Canada
    Types of Fungal Decay
    Guidelines for Collecting and Preserving Polypores
    The Identification Process: How to Identify Polypores
    Using This Book
    Explanation and Use of the Keys
Keys to Polypores and Similar Fungi
Species Descriptions and Illustrations
Appendixes
    A. Microscopic Examination of Polypores
    B. Chemical Reagents for Polypore Identification
    C. How to Make a Spore Deposit
    D. The Medicinal Uses of Polypores: A Brief History and Summaries of Current Research
    E. Polypores Organized by Order, Family, Genus, and Species
Glossary
Bibliography and Resources
About the Authors
Illustration and Photography Credits
Index to Common Names
Index to Scientific Names

Customer Reviews

Biography

Alan E. Bessette is a professor emeritus of biology and has authored or co-authored more than twenty-five books. Dianna Smith is past president of the Northeastern Mycological Federation and a former editor of The Mycophile. Arleen R. Bessette has authored or coauthored eighteen books and several mycological papers.