Massee

Massee refers primarily to George Edward Massee (1845-1917), a prominent British mycologist. He was a leading authority on fungi during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

• Biography: George Edward Massee was born in Scampston, Yorkshire, England. He was educated at St. John's College, Cambridge. After a period as a schoolteacher, he dedicated his life to the study of fungi.

• Career: Massee served as the Principal Assistant (Botany) at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a position he held from 1893 until his retirement in 1915.

• Contributions to Mycology: Massee made significant contributions to the field of mycology, including the classification and description of numerous new species of fungi. He was known for his prolific writing and illustrations, which helped to popularize the study of fungi.

• Selected Publications: Massee authored several influential books, including:

  • A Monograph of the Myxogastres (1892)
  • British Fungus Flora (1892-1895)
  • Diseases of Cultivated Plants and Trees (1910)
  • British Fungi with Chapters on Lichens (1911-1913)

• Legacy: Massee's work remains an important resource for mycologists, and his extensive collection of fungal specimens is housed at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. His descriptions and illustrations of fungi have contributed significantly to our understanding of fungal diversity.