Fungi Ganoderma lucidum (Red Reishi)

Ecology:

Saprotrophic, meaning it feeds on dead organic matter. Look for them on dead or dying trees and old stumps or logs.

Habitat:

Grows on hardwood stumps and logs including oaks, elms, beeches, maples, and more. The tsugae species seems to prefer conifers, mainly hemlocks(tsuga means hemlock).

Cap:

Kidney or fan-shaped and reddish with a wet, lacquered appearance when young. The shiny, reddish cap is one of the main identifying features of reishi mushrooms. As they age the flesh becomes tougher and spores drop. Air currents often blow these spores to the top of the mushroom, dulling its shiny cap.

The cap rarely gets larger than a foot across and an inch or two thick. It may or may not be attached to a stem.

The newest growth often shows up as a whitish edge. A main difference between the two species is that Ganoderma lucidum has a more brownish flesh color and Ganoderma tsugae has whiter flesh.

Reproduction:

Spores come out of tiny pores on the underside of the mushroom rather than gills. This is why they're known as polypores (poly means "many").

Spore print:

Brown in both species.

Range:

Ganoderma lucidum prefers warmer regions and is found in many parts of Asia, Australia, South America, Southern Europe, and the Southeastern United States. Ganoderma tsugae likes colder temperatures, and can be found as far as the Northeastern United States.

Time of year:

Summer to fall for all species.

The Reishi mushroom is well known for its immune boosting capabilities. In ancient China it was referred to as the mushroom of immortality and eaten exclusively by royalty due to it rarity. Medicinal use of Reishi dates back over 4000 years.

Chinese and Japanese herbalists have traditionally recommended Reishi mushrooms for insomnia. Long-term use influences their sleep-promoting factors as it increases slow-wave sleep.

Other studies report that Red Reishi improves both neurological and psychiatric conditions including muscle tension, anorexia and debility following lengthy illnesses.

In Japan, the root-like body that produces mushrooms, known as the dried mycelium, has been found to be highly effective in the treatment of conditions related to environmental stress.

Red Reishi is primarily composed of complex carbohydrates called water-soluble polysaccharides, triterpeniods, proteins and amino acids. Researchers have identified that water-soluble polysaccharides are the most active element found in Red Reishi that have anti-tumour, immune modulating and blood pressure lowering effects.

Another major active ingredient found in Red Reishi are triterpenes, called ganoderic acids. Preliminary studies indicated that ganoderic acids help alleviate common allergies by inhibiting histamine release, improve oxygen utilization and improve liver functions.

Regular consumption of red Reishi can enhance our body's immune system and improve blood circulation, thus improving better health conditions. Generally, Reishi is recommended as an adaptogen, immune modulator and a general tonic. It can also be helpful for anxiety, high blood pressure, hepatitis, bronchitis, insomnia and asthma.