Fungi: New Zealand's hidden diversity

A talk by Dr David Orlovich. Fungi are nature's recyclers. They form the connections between between plants and soil, algae and rocks, toxic wastes and the atmosphere, even life and death! In New Zealand, fungi support the beech forests of Fiordland, the high country tussock grasslands and our agricultural pastures through symbiotic mycorrhizal associations. I will give an overview of research on fungi in New Zealand, illustrate the beauty of many species found in New Zealand, and emphasise the importance of societies like the BSO in furthering research on New Zealand fungi. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open.