Reishi mushroom, Lacquered bracket fungus
Ganoderma lucidum

Family: Ganodermataceae

What it is like

An umbrella shaped mushroom. The upper surface is shiny. It has many wave like wrinkles and is yellow with red near the edges. Underneath it is pale brown or white. The stalk is hard and dark brown.

It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows as the base of oak and other deciduous trees. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Armenia, Asia, Caucasus, China, East Africa, Europe, Indochina, Iran, Italy, Laos, Malaysia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Myanmar, SE Asia, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The fruiting bodies are eaten. They are sun-dried and used in syrups and powders. A confection is made from this mushroom.

It is a cultivated plant used as a tonic herb. It is available dried in Chinese stores in Australia. (As Ganoderma japonica). It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Mushroom, fungus

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from spores.

Its other names

Local names

Cendawan lingzhi, Kulat lang, Laqapat, abetasunk, Ling chih, Lingzhi, Mannen-take

Synonyms

Ganoderma japonicum (Fr.) Lloyd; Polyporus lucidum Leyss. Fr.;