Chinese Lingzhi

Ganoderma lingzhi

Family: Ganodermataceae

Also called: Lingzhi, Chinese Reishi, 灵芝

Chinese Lingzhi (Ganoderma lingzhi)
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Overview

The Chinese species long traded as 'lingzhi' — molecularly distinct from European G. lucidum. On stumps and buried roots of subtropical broadleaves (Quercus, Castanopsis, Lithocarpus) across central and southern China. Medicinal use; not a culinary mushroom.

Edibility
Edible
Rarity
uncommon
Trophic mode
parasitic-saprotrophic
Typical peak
Jul

Season

May–Oct — typical fruiting months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Host trees & substrate

  • Stumps and buried roots of Quercus
  • Castanopsis
  • Lithocarpus

Where it grows

See live fruiting predictions for Chinese Lingzhi on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.

Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.