The enigma of the mushroom
Alison Pouliot spends her time exploring the world's mysterious and alluring third kingdom: the realm of mushrooms and fungi.
Fungi are not part of the animal world, and they're not part of the plant kingdom. They are so different, fascinating and unknown to us that they get their own classification.
They have given us many gifts, from penicillin to food, but can also be poisonous, scary, toxic and parasitic.
Underground is where their most interesting, and intimate work takes place.
Further Information
Alison's latest book, Funga Obscura, and her previous book, Underground Lovers, are both published by NewSouth.
See some of Alison's videos and photography here.
Originally broadcast in March 2023.
Find out more about the Conversations Live National Tour on the ABC website.
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