Cup fungi and the other Ascomycetes of Britain & Europe

Description:

Ascomycetes constitute the largest group of fungi in the world: according to current estimates, there are over 90,000 species, but it is thought that, taking into account the many species that have not yet been identified, the total number could be around 2 million.

They are also known as ‘sac fungi’ because they typically produce sexual spores (ascospores) within microscopic sac-like structures called asci. They come in a multitude of shapes, colours and sizes and are found in almost every possible habitat. Members of the group include yeasts, moulds, truffles and cup fungi. This introductory guide features over 260 of the most common, striking or intriguing species found in Britain and Europe