Ganoderma lingzhi
Reishi
Other mushrooms in the series:
Introducing the Reishi Mushroom
Reishi, known as the “mushroom of immortality” for over 2,000 years in China, is widely used in traditional medicine, though few clinical trials have been conducted.
Reishi makes an appearance in many classical works of the Orient and has been revered as a symbol of success and well-being.
Reishi in the shop:
In the Wild
Reishi is a polypore fungus, or a bracket or shelf fungus. It grows on its own or in small groups on the base and stumps of hardwood trees, such as the maple, and is saprophytic (feeds off dead material).
It grows worldwide, both in tropical and temperate zones.
It is easily cultivated on hardwood logs, sawdust, or woodchips.
Ganoderma stems from the Greek ganos, for “brightness”, and derma, for “skin”, together “shining skin”, referring to its own, varnished-looking, shiny skin.
It grows circular, or circular-ish, in a fan-like pattern, forming concentric circles of deep-red to brown with an edge of white when actively growing, turning yellow with age.
Check it out in the shop!
Other mushrooms in the series:
Useful Links:
*These links include affiliate links, for which I may receive a small amount at no extra cost to you.
- Mushrooms Demystified – David Arora (A hefty, not that portable, extensive mushroom identification book)
- All That the Rain Promises and More – David Arora (A lighter, more portable basic mushroom identification book)
- Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World – Paul Stamets (An interesting read on the potential role of mushrooms in remediation)