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Lingzhi, Reishi
4 public strains
Ganoderma lingzhi is the name widely used since 2012 for the cultivated red reishi (lingzhi) of East Asia. That fungus was long sold and studied as Ganoderma lucidum, which in the strict sense is a European species. It has a varnished, reddish-brown, kidney- to fan-shaped cap on a lateral or eccentric stem, and is the main Ganoderma grown for traditional-medicine products. Its correct scientific name is still disputed (see notes).
Not eaten as food: the fruitbody is corky to woody and bitter. It is used as hot-water extracts, teas, powders and capsules. Reishi products carry safety concerns and moderate interactions with some medications and supplements, so medical advice is warranted.
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Mycology is an evolving science: names, classifications and safety information change as research advances. Entries are compiled from cited sources and reviewed, but may be incomplete or out of date — check the sources, and never rely on this library alone to identify or eat a mushroom.
