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Discovering Planet Fungi -
a review
By Zita Milwain
The title exemplifies the intention of this beautifully presented page turner - a photographer’s foray capturing magnificent photos of the author’s fungal finds from some of the most secluded and un-surveyed parts of the world, including Australia Africa, China, India, Nepal, New Zealand, Patagonia Chile, Myanmar, Tasmania and Thailand.
Recording fungi with worldwide distribution, there are a few you should be able to marvel at without travelling too far. But many fungi are regionally distributed, and some are very exciting new discoveries. All have been photographed intricately and are an absolute delight.
Not only does the book present superb and striking photos of fantastic fungi, it focusses on Stephen Axford's awakening to macro fungi, looking beyond what is perceived as the ordinary landscape and delving deep into the fascinating world of mycology and fungal connections. At a time of challenge and lifechanging experiences, it provides a combined feeling of admiration and inspiration to follow his lead in uncertain times and demonstrates there is always further discovery both of ourselves and the remarkable world in which we live.
The authors' names may sound familiar, particularly to fungus enthusiasts, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn about their significant contributions to raising the profile of fungi. Catherine Marchiniak is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, photographer and journalist. Many will identify with her work from the iMax documentary "FUNGI – Web of Life" which she co-wrote. Stephen Axford is renowned for his expertise in macro fungi photography and has featured in many publications, books, exhibitions and science documentaries including "Planet Earth 2 The Kingdom: How fungi made the world", "Fantastic Fungi" and the iMax documentary "FUNGI – Web of Life". Dr Tom May is the scientific advisor for the book. He has worked as a mycologist at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, for almost three decades; he has published widely in scientific and popular journals and worked professionally and for Citizen Science Organisations. More recently he is known for being the expert witness in the Erin Patterson murder trial.
The book is a vibrant collection of their 20-something years of work, explaining the lengths they went to capture their treasures before advances in technology and the digital world we know now. It explains Stephen's intellectual mission, learning and challenging his initial perceptions as a fungus novice, developing his knowledge (with an explanation of biological recording and scientific naming) to research enthusiast, connecting with the other authors of the book, and providing insight into some of fungi’s best talent: how sophisticated and individual they are, but also how they can vary across the globe. The book takes you on their journey whilst teaching you about fungi with many interesting facts and unexpected worldwide networks made along the way.
The book has something for everyone. People with an initial interest in fungi and beginners can marvel at the beautifully detailed and colourful images and find insight into mycology. Those with intermediate or advanced mycological knowledge and skills are likely to reminisce on their own journey, and will be fascinated by the new discoveries. I challenge you not to be in awe of this work of art!
This is definitely a book you would be proud to have in your collection. Like me, you might give it pride of place on the coffee table, so welcomed guests can be lured into the world of fungi by its striking appeal. It’s definitely a great conversation starter.
"Planet Fungi" isn’t just a book, it is a continued passion of production for Catherine and Stephen, who also have a website with the same title, with many photos, their blog, the trailer for their more recent work, and much more.
Photographs in the book are interspersed with short sections of text, and you can easily pick up where you left off (if you can put it down) - making it easily digestible while admiring the images. The authors made many connections with people throughout their journey; each and every one is special, and I don't want to spoil it for others, but I have to mention Bilinso Syiemlieh (Kong) for her commendable expertise and skill in explaining which fungi are unsafe to eat, with vivid explanations of symptoms.
There are so many species, it would be difficult to choose a favourite. Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea (on the front cover, and page 240) was a very special find, and a photo of an elusive mutant (page 243) is worth mentioning. The photo of Marasmius bekolacongoli (page 118) reminded me of a humbug sweet.
For anyone serious about photography - and perhaps if you are entering this year's photography competition - there is a 25 minute Fungi Photography Masterclass on the Planet Fungi website (fee applies) to help you take photos like Stephen's, using a digital camera, mobile phone, focus stacking and post-production.
Planet Fungi - A Photographer's Foray was provided by CABI, and reviewed by Zita Milwain.
Zita is a fungi and nature enthusiast, and she loves nothing more than sharing how amazing fungi are with close friends and family, and new acquaintances. As a child, she discovered she was allergic to eating cultivated mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) (Many people are surprised to find out that these mushrooms, which we know as chestnut, portobello and button, are all the same species but at different states of maturity.)
Zita always found fungi intriguing and thought she couldn’t possibly be allergic to all species! Thankfully her fascination proved she was right: she has attended and supported experts on many fungal forays, and always looks forward to going on fungal adventures to discover more, and find species she hasn’t yet seen first-hand.