Ganoderma

Ganoderma is a genus of polypores which grow on wood. They can be differentiated from other polypores because they have a double walled basidiospore.

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The genus is divided into two sections - Section Ganoderma has a shiny cap surface (like Ganoderma lucidum) and Elfvingia has a dull cap surface, like Ganoderma applanatum.

Notable species

• Ganoderma applanatum - Also known as the Artist's conch
• Ganoderma lucidum - Also known as Reishi or Lingzhi
• Ganoderma philippii - A plant pathogen
• Ganoderma tsugae - A polypore which grows on conifers, especially hemlock; thus the common name, Hemlock varnish shelf. Similar in appearance to Ganoderma lucidum, which typically grows on hardwoods.^[1]

References