Aphyllophorales in Australasia

Abstract

Taxonomic knowledge of the Aphyllophorales of Australasia is reviewed. Recent literature is cited for groups of Aphyllophorales arranged pragmatically by type of hymenophore (polypore fungi (poroid and related lamellate taxa), corticioid, clavarioid, hydnoid, cantharelloid, cupuloid), along with numbers of recorded species, estimates of endemism and distinctive features of the Australasian mycota. With the partial exception of poroid and clavarioid fungi, the order is poorly known in the region. Their importance as pathogens, as sources of food and medicine and as arthropod associates is discussed, along with their relevance to biogeography. Although only limited collecting has been undertaken and few Australasian mycologists are actively researching these fungi, current preparation of checklists and recent taxonomic studies indicate renewed research interest.