In general, the fruiting bodies of Lucid Ganoderma mushrooms are mostly annual, characterized by a cap (pileus) and a stipe (stem). The mushroom cap is usually semi-circular, kidney-shaped, or shell-shaped, exhibiting a glossy, lacquered appearance. It often displays concentric circular patterns or vertical lines radiating outward on the surface. The cap’s color can vary, ranging from gray-white, yellowish-brown, purple-red, to purple-black. At times, different color zones may be present on the same cap, dependent on the growth and maturation stage. Typically, the outermost areas of the cap have lighter hues, gradually deepening towards the center.

The main characteristics for recognizing fungi in the Lucid Ganoderma/reishi family in the wild are: A dense, porous spore-bearing surface (hymenophore) on the underside of the cap. A smooth, hard surface on the mature mushroom cap. Concentric “cloud-like” patterns on the cap surface, resulting

Lucid Ganoderma is a wood-decomposing fungus that does not require symbiotic relationships with plants. This makes it relatively easy to cultivate artificially. The cultivation technology for Lucid Ganoderma has become quite advanced. The growth medium typically consists of Carbon sources: Sawdust, cotton hulls, various crop stalks, Nitrogen sources: Wheat bran, soybean meal and mineral supplements such as calcium, sulfur, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements.

During the growth of the Lucid Ganoderma fruiting body, a relatively humid environment is required. When the mushroom cap (pileus) is undergoing differentiation, appropriate lighting and ventilation become crucial factors. If the environmental conditions are not properly controlled during this cap differentiation stage, it can lead to the formation of antler-like Lucid Ganoderma specimens, known as “deer horn” Lucid Ganoderma.

Red Lucid Ganoderma (Dan Zhi)
It is also commonly referred to as the “representative species” of the Lucid Ganoderma group. It has a bitter and neutral (non-toxic) flavor, traditionally used to treat chest congestion and benefit the heart qi. The mushroom cap (pileus) has a kidney-shaped, semi-circular, or near-circular form, the surface is reddish-brown in color with a lacquered, glossy appearance and the stipe (stem) is the same color as the cap or slightly darker.

Purple Lucid Ganoderma (Mu Zhi):
The mushroom cap (pileus) is brown, purple-black, to nearly black in color. The flesh of the mushroom is a uniform brown to chestnut brown color, the spores produced by this variety are generally larger than those of the more common red Lucid Ganoderma.

Yellow Lucid Ganoderma (Jin Zhi)
The mushroom cap (pileus) is a golden yellow color, likened to purple-gold. The flesh can be very substantial, with large specimens weighing over 10 pounds and smaller ones around 3-4 pounds. The texture is fleshy and juicy when fresh. Fresh specimens can often reach several pounds in weight.

Black Lucid Ganoderma (Xuan Zhi)
The mushroom cap (pileus) and stipe (stem) are black in color. According to the Cai Zhi Tu text, the black Lucid Ganoderma grows in shady mountain valleys. The cap is described as being black with red veins, and the stem is also black and the flavor is described as salty and bitter.

Green/Blue Lucid Ganoderma (Long Zhi)
The mushroom cap (pileus) is described as being the color of “green jade feathers” according to the Bao Pu Zi text. It is believed that the Yunzhi mushroom may be a representative of the green/blue Lucid Ganoderma variety. These mushrooms have a leathery cap texture and a short velvety surface, allowing for diverse color variations.

White Lucid Ganoderma (Yu Zhi)
The mushroom flesh is described as being white in color. The mushroom shape is compared to a “chopped lard” in the Bao Pu Zi text. The mushroom can grow to a large size, weighing several pounds. It grows on pine and other coniferous trees.