Aphyllophorales in Australasia

Taxonomic knowledge of the Aphyllophorales of Australasia is reviewed. Rece nt 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 num bers of recorded species, estimates of endemism and distinctive features of the Australasian mycota. With the partial exception of poroid and clavario id fungi, the order is poorly known in the region. Their importance as path ogens, as sources of food and medicine and as arthropod associates is discu ssed, along with their relevance to biogeography. Although only limited col lecting has been undertaken and few Australasian mycologists are actively r esearching these fungi, current preparation of checklists and recent taxono mic studies indicate renewed research interest.