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We have to admit it. The mushrooms are downright amusing. They can be beautiful, scary, downright bloody, help fake plumbers thrive, and play a crucial role in our planet’s ecosystem.
We’re not alone in our excitement about mushrooms either, and these unique creatures are now celebrated in the new book. Planet Fungi: a photographer’s foray. The book features breathtaking photographs by Stephen Axford and Catherine Marciniak, which document glowing mushrooms, alien-like shapes, and newly discovered species in remote forests. The book is co-authored by Australian mycologist Tom May and highlights the essential contribution of fungi to the resilience of ecosystems, particularly in the face of climate change, while revealing how interconnected they are with plants, animals and humans.
Enjoy some of the images from the book below. (Click to enlarge images in full screen.)
Coprinopsis pulchricaerulia is a rare mushroom found in Australia that was only first described in 2022. Credit: Photo by Stephen Axford.This Pseudocolus fusiformis grows in New South Wales, Australia. They are also known as stinking mushrooms or stinking squid fungus for their cephalopod-like appearance. Credit: Photo by Stephen Axford.Ganoderma sp. under UV light. These fungi contribute to wood rot in tropical regions. Credit: Photo by Stephen Axford.This Oudemansiella canarii was spotted in Yunnan, China. It is considered a delicacy in tropical America, Southeast Asia and Australia. Credit: Photo by Stephen Axford.Crepidotus boninensis is considered an oyster mushroom. This one was spotted in New South Wales, Australia. Credit: Photo by Stephen Axford.The fanciful Chlorociboria aeruginascens is also called the green elf cut. Credit: Photo by Stephen Axford.Entoloma eugene are a rare and endangered mushroom found in eastern Russia and Asia. Credit: Photo by Stephen Axford.Cookeina richolome is also called the tropical spiky cut or champagne mushrooms. Credit: Photo by Stephen Axford.Aporpium strigosum photographed in Nepal. This fungus also helps break down dead wood. Credit: Photo by Stephen Axford.Boo! The Ghost Mushroom, aka Omphalotus nidiformis, is well known for its bioluminescent properties. Credit: Photo by Stephen Axford.Brilliant green Gliophorus graminicolor can be found in New Zealand and Australia. Credit: Photo by Stephen Axford.Roridomyces phyllostachydis are a bioluminescent fungus found in India. Credit: Photo by Stephen Axford.
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