Larger Fungi in Eastern Tropical Africa : A Field Guide

In this field guide to Larger Fungi in Eastern Tropical Africa over 250 species of Basidiomycota are presented from Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique, and to a lesser extent from neighbouring countries.

Each species is provided with photographs taken mostly in the field, a description, plus notes on edibility, pathology, distribution, look-alikes, traditional uses and other details of interest. Special emphasis is put on spore dimensions, showing typical (90%) size ranges, extreme sizes measured, mean values, and length/width ratios. For instance, 18 Amanita species are presented, as well as 15 Cantharellus spp., 19 Lactarius / Lactifluus spp., 25 Russula spp., 17 Termitomyces spp. and 69 polypores.

The book includes photographs of the type materials of 33 species. The species are arranged according to the form-groups Gilled mushrooms, Boletes, Polypores, Other aphyllophoroid fungi, Jelly fungi, and Gastroid fungi. General sections of the book outline the study area, methods of research, and African mushroom tradition, also including recipes for mushroom meals, an illustrated glossary, and species index.

Contents: Abstract/ Contents/ Acknowledgements/ To the reader/ Habitats for fungi/ Miombo woodlands/ Acacia savannas/ Mountain forests/ Tree plantations/ The value of fungi to people and to the ecosystem/ About this book and how to use it/ Gilled mushrooms/ Boletes/
Polypores/ Other aphyllophoroid fungi/ Jelly fungi/ Gastroid fungi/ How this book was made/ Mushrooms and people/ Recipes/ Myxomycetes/ Glossary/ Further reading/ Index to species/ The authors.