Reishi
Scientific name: Ganoderma lucidum
Synonyms: Reishi, Ling Zhi/Chi, Jong Si/ryongji, Mannentake, The Panacea polypore
Natural habitat: Ganoderma lucidum can be found worldwide and is a saprophyte which prefers hardwood such as oak, birch, beech and alder trees. It can also be found in hedges, parks and along waysides, given the appropriate conditions. It is particularly common in mediterranean and temperate regions, in Europe it can be found up to southern Scandinavia. In Germany and Austria the Ganoderma lucidum is irregularly distributed.
Appropriate substrate: Hardwood (most suitable: oak, beech, birch, alder)
Usage: Vital mushroom
The Chinese name of this fungus is Ling Zhi, in Japan it is called Reishi. Ganoderma lucidum has been used as medicine for more than 4000 years. It is traditionally a symbol of good health, physical and mental recovery, long life, high sexual activity, wisdom and fortune.
Reishi is rich in micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, zinc, manganese and germanium. The most valuable compounds of Ling Zhi are polysaccharides and triterpenes such as ganodermic acid, ganolucid acid or lucidemic acid.
Taxonomy:
Division: Basidiomycetes
Class: Polyporales
Order: Ganodermataceae
Family: Ganoderma
Genus: Ganoderma lucidum
Spores: red-brown, elliptic form and dull ends, size between 9-12 x 5,5-8 µ