Documenting the fungal biodiversity of Australasia: from 1800 to 2000 and beyond

Abstract

In the 200 years since Labillardière named Aseroë rubra from Tasmania, a rich and diverse mycota has been documented from Australasia. In the 19th century, the systematic study of Australasian fungi was mostly carried out by Northern Hemisphere mycologists, who were sent material by numerous local collectors. Documentation of the mycota in the 20th century was concentrated on fungi of importance in plant and forest pathology, but workers in these fields also contributed to knowledge of native fungi. In the last few decades there has been a greater emphasis on biodiversity inventory of native fungi, which was the focus in the 19th century. Most contributions have been by relatively isolated individuals and by visitors and there remains a paucity of systematic mycologists in the region. In recent times stronger links have developed among the mycologists of Australasia and there has been increased community involvement. Species from the region tend to be based on few specimens and type and other collections are scattered across many herbaria, including many outside of the region. There are few up-to-date monographs, but a flora series (Fungi of Australia) has recently been initiated. Knowledge of distribution, substrates and habitats is poor for most species, with the exception of common plant pathogens. The task of documenting the mycota of Australasia is enormous, but its achievement in a reasonable time frame (a century rather than a millennium) needs to be considered. Better estimates of the magnitude of biodiversity are required to guide the task. The region is well-served by checklists, censuses, catalogues and databases of fungal names and specimens. Some integration of these various data sets would be beneficial, as would availability of nomenclatural and specimen data through on-line databases. Measures are suggested for making existing information accessible, such as through interim and virtual floras.