Systema Mycologicum

work by Fries

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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Systema Mycologicum is a seminal work by Swedish botanist Elias Fries, published between 1821 and 1832. This three-volume publication introduced a groundbreaking system for classifying fungi. Fries's classification system, with minor adjustments due to later microscopic discoveries, remains valid for many fungal groups today. Fries was a prominent figure in botany, also developing a system for lichen classification and being the first to differentiate lichens based on the coverings of their fruiting bodies.1

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Elias Fries
…describe known species for his Systema Mycologicum, 3 vol. (1821–32), in which he introduced a new system for classifying fungi. With the exception of a few changes with respect to microscopic discoveries, the system is still valid for many groups of fungi today.
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…describe known species for his Systema Mycologicum, 3 vol. (1821–32), in which he introduced a new system for classifying fungi. With the exception of a few changes with respect to microscopic discoveries, the system is still valid for many groups of fungi today.
Read More