University of Texas Press Puffballs, Earthstars, Stinkhorns, and Other Gasteroid Fungi of Eastern North America

The first fully illustrated reference guide to gasteroid mushrooms in North America. Gasteroid fungi are one of the most diverse groups of mushrooms. Unlike the majority of mushrooms that produce spores externally, these unusual fungi produce spores within their fruitbodies. Puffballs, Earthstars, Stinkhorns, and Other Gasteroid Fungi of Eastern North America is the first color-illustrated reference guide for this unique group of fungi in North America. Providing information for the identification of more than one hundred species, it includes keys based on macroscopic features, detailed species descriptions with both common and scientific names, accurate and beautiful color images, and key identification features. Additionally, the book contains a plethora of useful information about the biology of gasteroid fungi, current taxonomy, mechanisms of spore dispersal, as well as fun facts. A much-needed volume from well-known mycologists Alan and Arleen Bessette, William Roody, and Dianna Smith, this comprehensive book is a must-have for all fungi enthusiasts, from mushroom hunting hobbyists to professional mycologists.