Ganoderma tsugae
| Ganoderma tsugae | |
|---|---|
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| Species: | G. tsugae
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| Binomial name | |
| Ganoderma tsugae | |
Ganoderma tsugae | |
|---|---|
 | Pores on hymenium |
 | Cap is flat |
 | Hymenium is adnate |
 | Stipe is bare |
 | Spore print is brown |
 | Ecology is saprotrophic or parasitic |
 | Edibility is inedible |
Ganoderma tsugae, also known as Hemlock varnish shelf, is a flat polypore mushroom of the genus Ganoderma. In contrast to Ganoderma lucidum, to which it is closely related and which it closely resembles, G. tsugae tends to grow on conifers, especially hemlocks.[1] Like G. lucidum, G. tsugae is said to have medicinal properties.[2] Phylogenetic analysis of Ganodermahas begun to better differentiate between many closely related species of Ganoderma; however there is still scientific debate as to which species of Ganoderma have the most medicinal properties. In addition, variations within the same species as well as the growth substrate and environmental conditions all the way through to preparation of the Ganoderma tea or extract can have a substantial effect on the medicinal value of the product. Like G. lucidum, G. tsugae is non-poisonous but generally considered inedible, due to its solid woody nature; however, making ganoderma teas and extracts from its fruiting bodies is an excellent way make use of the medicinal compounds present in Ganoderma tsugae. In the case of extracting the polysaccharides in G. tsugae, a hot water extraction or tea can be very effective; however, to best extract the triterpenoids present in G. tsugae it is best to use an alcohol or alcohol/glycerin extraction method.[3]
References
- ^ Kuo, M., MushroomExpert.Com, Ganoderma tsugae. (2004, February). Retrieved June 15, 2007.
- ^ Ching-Hua Su1, et al., Taipei Medical University, Sacchachitin, a Skin Wound Dressing Material from Ganoderma tsugae, 2004. Retrieved June 16, 2007.
- ^ Gary Emberger, Messiah College, Ganoderma tsugae, 2006. Retrieved June 16, 2007.