Reishi
mushroom (Ganoderma
lucidum)
The Reishi mushroom occurs in New England according to a distribution map in the book North American Polypores (Gilbertson and Ryvarden 1986); however, it is considered rare in the Northeast according to several mycologists in the region that we contacted. Gilbertson and Ryvarden (1986) stated that Ganoderma lucidum is widely distributed in hardwood forest types in the United States, but is particularly common in the South, including the Gulf Coast region. Apparently, the mushroom’s prevalence increases from the north to the south throughout its range. The Reishi mushroom also grows in Asia, where it is widely cultivated for medicinal and cultural purposes, though wild specimens are preferred
The Reishi mushroom occurs in New England according to a distribution map in the book North American Polypores (Gilbertson and Ryvarden 1986); however, it is considered rare in the Northeast according to several mycologists in the region that we contacted. Gilbertson and Ryvarden (1986) stated that Ganoderma lucidum is widely distributed in hardwood forest types in the United States, but is particularly common in the South, including the Gulf Coast region. Apparently, the mushroom’s prevalence increases from the north to the south throughout its range. The Reishi mushroom also grows in Asia, where it is widely cultivated for medicinal and cultural purposes, though wild specimens are preferred
This was growing on an oak stump from last spring and I initially identified it as 'Hemlock Varnish Shelf' which is a very similar Polyporaceae, Ganoderma fsuage. However the fsuage grows only on connifers so this could not be the correct id - a little net surfing convinced me that it is the lucidum.
