ganoderma lucidum and ganoderma tsugae

Ganoderma  lucidum and Ganoderma tsugae:  G. lucidum  and  related  species  have the longest historical  usage  for  medicinal purposes, dating  back  at least  four millennia (Zhao  and  Zeuny,  1994).  In Japan it is called  Reishi  or  Mannetake  (10,000 year  mushroom)  and in  China and Korea it  is variously  called  Ling  Chu,  Ling Chih  and  Ling  Zhi   (Mushroom  of  Immortality).  It is the  mushroom  most  depicted in  ancient Japanese, Korean  and Chinese Art and  has been extensively  depicted in  Chinese royal  tapestries.  Reishi  is  also  widely  used in the Orient as  a talisman to  protect a  person or  home against  evil.   The  fungus grows in  many  parts of  the world and in  Japan is  to  be  found  mainly  on  old  plum  trees.  Originally, rare  and  expensive it  can  now  be  artificially  cultivated, which makes it more  accessible  and affordable.