Costa Rica Species
Ganoderma lucidum
FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Ganoderma lucidum

Reishi

(Curtis) P. Karst., 1881

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Polypore fungus with a kidney-shaped or semicircular cap featuring a shiny natural varnish ranging from reddish to dark brown. Its texture is woody and hard. The stalk is usually lateral and of the same glossy color. The underside has tiny white pores that turn brown when touched or with age.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

GanodermaHongo de la inmortalidadLingzhiVarnished conk

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Basidiomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Agaricomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Polyporales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Ganodermataceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Ganoderma
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Curtis) P. Karst., 1881
Record Completeness
93%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

--

EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.

--

Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.

--

Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.

--

Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Year Round

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Grows mainly at the base or on logs of decaying broad-leaved trees, especially oaks and maples. Although native to Asia, it is found in temperate and subtropical zones worldwide in humid forests.

SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang

Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

It is a saprophytic fungus that causes white rot in wood. It is extremely persistent; its woody fruiting body does not rot easily and can last a long time releasing spores. It is not directly edible due to its hardness.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

5.0 - 25.0 cm

Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.

No hymenium surface images available.

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Lacquered surface that protects the fruiting body from excessive moisture and insect attack.
Leathery consistency allowing for prolonged spore release over several months.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Wild overexploitation in some regions due to its high commercial value.
Loss of mature forests with presence of large-caliber dead wood.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

In traditional Chinese medicine it is called Lingzhi, which translates to 'herb of spiritual potency'.
Due to its hardness, it is not eaten; it is consumed in powder form, encapsulated extracts, or bitter infusions.

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.