We’ve had an interesting mushroom growing in the camp recently, a reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lingzhi). Interesting in that they’re native to south east Asia and we don’t know how it got into our ancient woodland.
The photo below was taken when we first noticed it. It had very distinct bands of different colours.
This photo was taken a couple of weeks later when the whole thing had turned an orangey red colour.
It’s a type of polypore and is parasitic, growing at the base or on stumps of deciduous trees. It’s particularly keen on maples so I do wonder if this one is growing on a rotten field maple stump that’s below the surface.
They’ve been used as a herbal remedy in south east Asia for hundreds of years for a wide range of ailments including treatment of infections, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, liver or kidney disease, respiratory diseases (such as asthma), viral infections such as flu, HIV/AIDS, cancer and support during chemotherapy, pain during and after a shingles outbreak, building strength & stamina and fatigue.
We’ll let you know if any more grow!
