Ganoderma oregonense
Ganoderma oregonense (also known as the west-coast reishi, western varnished conk, lacquer fungus, and/or American ling-chi) is a species of bracket fungus that causes root and butt white rot in conifers in northwestern coastal North America. TaxonomyThis species was originally described by W. A. Murrill as:
DescriptionWestern varnished conk has a shiny brown-red-orange and sometimes cream-colored upper surface (often appearing as a color gradient), and white- or cream-colored pores.[3] It can be shaped like a kidney or a fan or a hoof,[4] or like a plate or stack of plates jammed into the side of a log. It fruits annually (rather than perennially), and usually shows up in the fall.[3] They can grow up to 10–50 centimetres (4–19+1⁄2 in) wide, sometimes with a stem 2.5–10 cm (1–4 in) long and 0.5–4 cm (1⁄4–1+1⁄2 in) thick.[5] Similar speciesG. oregonense is very similar to Ganoderma tsugae,[6] but G. tsugae is associated with east coast Tsuga (hemlock) rather than west coast conifer.[7] Its been speculated that G. oregonense and G. tsugae might actually be one species.[6] Additionally, G. polychromum usually grows on the ground.[5] Distribution and habitatIt can be found in northwestern coastal North America,[8][3] including California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Yukon, and Alaska.[9] It can be found year-round but is freshest from July to November.[5] Trees inoculated with G. oregonense end up with spongy, soft insides.[3] It prefers dead red fir but will also accept dead or alive Douglas fir, spruce, hemlock, and pine.[3] When this reishi is found on living trees it is usually consequent to tree wounds,[3] such as bear marks. UsesAccording to Paul Stamets, this fungus is edible.[10] This is unusual for a Ganoderma, specimens of which are usually far too tough to be eaten. (Reishi is often dried, powdered and consumed as a mushroom tea.)[10] References
External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ganoderma oregonense.
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