Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum

Also known as: Lingzhi, Varnished Conk, Mushroom of Immortality

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Edibility medicinal

Phylum Basidiomycota

Family Ganodermataceae

Conservation Least Concern - widely cultivated, though wild populations declining in some areas

Complete Taxonomy

Kingdom: Fungi

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Polyporales

Family: Ganodermataceae

Genus: Ganoderma

Species: G. lucidum

Description

Ganoderma lucidum, known as Reishi in Japan and Lingzhi in China, is a polypore mushroom with a distinctive kidney-shaped cap with a varnished, reddish-brown appearance. Revered in Asian medicine for over 2,000 years as the "mushroom of immortality," it is too woody to eat but is prepared as tea, powder, or extract. Modern research investigates its numerous bioactive compounds.

Physical Characteristics

Cap Shape: Kidney or fan-shaped with a distinctive varnished appearance

Cap Color: Reddish-brown to purple-brown with lighter margins; shiny, lacquered surface

Size: 5-30 cm diameter, up to 2.5 cm thick

Gill Attachment: No gills; has white to brown pores on underside

Spore Print: Brown

Stipe: Lateral or eccentric, varnished like cap; 5-20 cm long

Habitat: Grows on dead or dying hardwood, especially oak and maple

Fruiting Season: Late spring through fall

Distribution

Found in temperate and subtropical regions worldwide, particularly Asia, Europe, and Americas

Habitat

Saprotroph and weak parasite on hardwoods, especially oaks, maples, and other deciduous trees. Grows at the base of stumps or on buried roots.

Ecological Role

Decomposer of hardwood, particularly oak and maple. Acts as both saprotroph on dead wood and weak parasite on declining trees. Important in forest nutrient cycling.

Medicinal & Nutritional Properties

Polysaccharides (beta-glucans) with immune-modulating effects
Triterpenes with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
May support cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure
Traditionally used to promote longevity and vitality
Potential anti-cancer properties (ongoing research)
May help regulate blood sugar
Adaptogenic properties to reduce stress
Liver-protective compounds

Cultural Significance

Supremely important in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years. Symbol of longevity, health, and spiritual potency. Featured extensively in Asian art and literature. One of the oldest mushrooms used medicinally.

Fascinating Facts

Called the "mushroom of immortality" in ancient texts
Traditional Chinese medicine ranks it above ginseng
Too woody and bitter to eat; must be extracted or powdered
Contains over 400 bioactive compounds
Wild specimens are rare; most products use cultivated mushrooms
Spores are only released when humidity exceeds 90%
Featured in the oldest Chinese pharmacopeia (circa 100 CE)