104 ON THE VEGETATION OF MALAYSIA, 



Fungi. — It is impossible to give any complete or satisfactory- 

 account of the fungi of the Malayan region. A little has been 

 done here and there, but nothing like a systematic collection of 

 the whole region. Dr. Hooker has collected in the Himalayas, 

 Janghuhn in Java, a little is known of the Philippines and some 

 portions of the Indian Archipelago, but the knowledge is too 

 fragmentary to be of much service. During my travels I was 

 able to make a few observations on the species seen in the jungle, 

 and I have a very few drawings of some of the more perishable 

 kinds. The result of all is that no more can be offered here than 

 a few general and fragmentary observations. 



Although heat and humidity influence all kinds of vegetation, 

 yet heat, says Mr. Cooke, seems to exert a less, and humidity a 

 greater influence on fungi than on other plants.* Moisture and 

 caltivation affect their growth in most civilised countries ; but in 

 the Malayan region the great influencing causes are moisture, 

 shade, and decaying vegetation. In Java Junghuhn found them 

 most prolific at an elevation of 3,000 to 5,000 feet, and Dr. 

 Hooker remarked that they were most abundant at 7,000 to 

 8,000 feet above sea-level. 



In tropical countries Agarics are not so numerous as Poly2)orits, 

 Lenzites, <fec. Coprimes is equally common everywhere. The 

 genus Marasmius is most abundant in the tropics, which is also 

 the principal centre of Lentinus and Lenzites. The Polypori 

 living for the most part upon trees present the most varied forms, 

 while many species are noticed of Hexagona, Favolus, and Laschia. 

 Travellers will not fail to notice the great abundance of species 

 of Hirneolce, especially H. polytricha, Fries, on logs and fallen 

 timber. It is largely collected by the Chinese and sold in the 

 markets. The species is so abundant in Malaysia, and is so valued 

 in China that a trade might be easily established. H. aaris-judce is 

 also common. This is the species which is exported to China from 



*" Fungi, their Nature, Influence, and Uses." By M. C. Cooke. 

 London, 1875. 



