Left Hand Corner: Required Reading

The primary goals of the OMLA are to add to the knowledge of bryophyte and lichen distribution in Ohio and to stimulate interest in these often-neglected groups of organisms. We have been very successful with this first goal as detailed by an article later in this issue. Our members have addressed the second goal by giving presentations and workshops on a number of occasions. I have also tried to further the second goal by suggesting in previous issues of OBELISK books on lichens and bryophytes which I found to be particularly interesting.

This issue contains two more book recommendations in the NEWS & NOTES section. I am also, for the first time, featuring a book in the LEFT HAND CORNER. Entangled Life – How Fungi Make Our World, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures is a book about mycology, symbiosis and the connectedness of life on earth. The author, Merlin Sheldrake, writes a fascinating, easy-to-read story of fungi and their myriad relationships with other organisms.

Fungal biology and ecology are made understandable and interesting by “gee whiz” narratives about lichens, luminous fungi, mycorrhizae, truffles, mycoheterotrophic plants, parasitic fungi which control ant behavior (zombie ants) and magic mushrooms. Something that I did not know – there is even a magic lichen which produces the same psychoactive chemical as magic mushrooms.

If I were planning a seminar on mycology, I would make this book required reading. So, pretend you signed up for the seminar, read the book and let me know what you think.

-Ray Showman