British hypogeous fungi

Abstract

The study of hypogeous fungi has been neglected in Britain from the time of Berkeley & Broome until that of the present investigation. During the years 1948-53 some 700 collections have been made, mainly in the Bristol area, but also from other parts of England, Scotland, North Wales and Northern Ireland. These include members of the Phycomycetes (Endogone spp.), Ascomycetes (Elaphomycetaceae, Tuberales) and Basidiomycetes (Gasteromycetes). Some species were found sufficiently often to permit tentative conclusions to be drawn relating to the effect of weather and soil conditions on the production of fruit-bodies. Most of the species previously recorded in Britain have been collected and some new records made. Descriptions are given of all recorded British species, and most of these are illustrated by line drawings made from fresh material. Details of development are given for representative species and the probable relationships within the group and with other fungi are discussed.