Ganoderma Part I
Ganodermas and their allies such as Fomitopsis and Phellinus comprise one grouping within the Stalked Polyphores and are sometimes referred to as “conks”. There are a number of medicinal mushrooms among the stalked polyphores in addition to the Ganoderma genus; the one we will now examine more closely.
The three most common Ganodermacea in our area are the “Artist's Conk” G. applanatum, the “Varnished, or Lacquered Conk” G. lucidum, and G. tsugae which is often mistaken for G. lucidum.
The one that most people are familiar with in the western world (up until recently) is the “Artist's Conk”. If you've come across some drawings and illustrations on a very large, hard mushroom at an art show, chances are you were looking at a specimen of G. applanatum. Although some medicinal value has been attributed to this species there is very little available on the subject at the present time. Some providers of medicinals not only include this species in the mix but also include a whole host of others which grow only in the orient. The Artist's Conk may weigh up to around 25 pounds and are small off white knobs when young; becoming browner and rock hard with age. The tanish pore surface turns immediately brown when injured resulting in a desirable happenstance for the budding artist. Although not poisonous they are obviously of no use to us as a foodstuff so the artist will be a hungry one indeed. A link to a picture of this mushroom is HERE.
The other two mushrooms are the fungi of interest to us. They are both currently being used as medicines and, although the G. lucidum was studied and appropriated first, the G. tsugae has, in effect, “caught up”. They have both been found to contain large amounts of health boosting compounds. We will explore the exciting medicinal facts next month.
Of the two, the G. tsugae seems to be far more common in the area although the G. lucidum sometimes fruits in abundance too.
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The lucidum clearly prefers hardwood logs and stumps while the tsugae loves to dine on Hemlock trees. Secondly, the G. tsugae has flesh that is decidedly whitish while lucidum presents with flesh of a more brownish color. They are both quite variable as far as size and fruiting patterns are concerned. A good mental picture taken with one while roaming the woods should suffice should a specimen pop up. There are no poisonous look alikes so there is little need for concern. Consider yourself fortunate if you come upon fresh specimens in the warm weather woods |
George J. Dagis FNP
Comments or questions at: G.J. Dagis