Mushrooms of Cape Cod and the National Seashore

by Arleen Bessette, Alan Bessette, William J. Neill

Overview

Although known for its sandy beaches and pounding surf, historic Cape Cod is also home to a unique community of mushrooms that can be found in its heath, pine, and oak barrens and on the borders of its bogs, kettle ponds, and cedar swamps. Here is the definitive, comprehensive field guide to the highly varied mycoflora of Cape Cod and the National Seashore. It is written in easy-to-follow, nontechnical language and contains accurate and up-to-date descriptions along with 145 color illustrations that help the reader identify over 250 indigenous mushroom species. The scope of this work goes well beyond the identification of mushrooms. The authors provide information that increases the reader's awareness of the fragile nature of Cape Cod's various ecosystems and the critical role that mushrooms play in helping to preserve them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780815606871
Publisher:	Syracuse University Press
Publication date:	06/01/2001
Pages:	188
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Arleen R. Bessette is coauthor of Mushrooms of Northeastern North America, Wildflowers of New York in Color, and North American Boletes: A Field Guide to the Fleshy Pored Mushrooms. Alan E. Bessette is a mycologist and professor of biology at Utica College of Syracuse University. He is coauthor of Mushrooms of Northeastern North America, Wildflowers of New York in Color, and North American Boletes: A Field Guide to the Fleshy Pored Mushrooms, each published by Syracuse University Press. William J. Neill has served as president of the Boston Mycological Club and has taught mushroom and tree identification.

Table of Contents

	Sponsors	ix
	Preface	xi
	Acknowledgments	xiii
	Introduction	3
	Some Cape Cod History	3
	Habitats on Cape Cod	5
	Mycorrhizal Relationships	8
	Mycological Basics: Learning About Mushrooms	9
	Fungal Anatomy: Parts of a Mushroom	10
	Tools and Tips for Collecting: Clothing and Equipment	11
	When to Collect Mushrooms	11
	Where to Collect Mushrooms	12
	How to Collect Mushrooms	13
	Spore Prints: The Essential Hidden Feature	13
	How to Use the Color Key to the Major Groups of Mushrooms	15
	Color Key to the Major Groups of Mushrooms	17
	Notes on the Descriptions of Illustrated Species	27
	The Major Groups of Mushrooms: Descriptions and Illustrations
	Bird's-nest Fungi	31
	Boletes	31
	Carbon Fungi	46
	Chanterelles and Allies	47
	Coral Fungi	48
	Cup and Saucer Fungi	49
	Cushion Fungi	51
	Earth Clubs	51
	Fiber Fans and Vases	52
	Gilled Mushrooms	52
	Morels, False Morels, and Allies	90
	Polypores	92
	Puffballs, Earthballs, Earthstars, and Allies	98
	Rusts and Smuts	102
	Stinkhorns	103
	Tooth Fungi	104
	Glossary	157
	References	165
	Index to Common Names	167
	Index to Scientific Names	171
	Table: Timetable of Climates and Forest Types	4
	Map: Cape Cod and the National Seashore	2

Editorial Reviews

A mushroom identification guide focusing on the mycoflora of Massachusetts's Cape Cod region, accompanied by some 150 detailed color photographs and descriptions of some 250 indigenous mushroom species. An introduction covers Cape Cod history and habitats, basic mycology and fungal anatomy, tips for mushroom collection, and instructions on the use of the color key to the major groups of mushrooms. Includes a glossary and references, as well as scientific and common name indexes. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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