Ganoderma curtisii
| Ganoderma curtisii | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
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| Species: | G. curtisii
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| Binomial name | |
| Ganoderma curtisii | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Polyporus curtisii Berk. (1849) | |
Ganoderma curtisii | |
|---|---|
 | Pores on hymenium |
 | Cap is offset |
 | Hymenium is decurrent or subdecurrent |
 | Stipe is bare |
 | Spore print is brown |
 | Ecology is saprotrophic |
 | Edibility is inedible |
Ganoderma curtisii is a wood-decaying polypore whose distribution is primarily in the Southeastern United States.[2][3] Craig and Levetin claim to have observed it in Oklahoma.[4]
Its habitat of choice seems to be decaying stumps and roots of hardwoods, which aligns perfectly with that of G. lucidum. This is one reason why there is contention as to the identity of this species. According to Volk, Gilbertson and Ryvarden, authors of North American Polypores, do not consider it a separate species from G. lucidum. Paul Stamets considers G. lucidum and G. curtisii to both be members of a tightly knit species complex.[5]
Taxonomy
The name was originally established by Miles Berkeley in 1849 as Polyporus curtisii, and later transferred to the genus Ganoderma by William Alphonso Murrill in 1908. However, this species is tentative and is a subject of debate as to its viability as a distinct species from G. lucidum, which is much more widely distributed throughout the US. There is also debate about the identities of several species which resemble G. lucidum and G. tsugae.
Description
This polypore bears a marked resemblance to G. lucidum and generally has a stipe, often lacking the characteristic varnished appearance that G. lucidum possesses. The flesh is spongy in pore tissue and firm in the stipe. The pores bruise brown when damaged.
Biochemistry
Although no formal analysis has been done, G. curtisii is likely to contain the same medicinal polysaccharides and terpenoids (such as ganoderic acids), as do all other members of the genus.
References
- ^ "Ganoderma curtisii (Berk.) Murrill 1908". MycoBank. International Mycological Association. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
- ^ Coutler, John (1908) Botanical Gazette, University of Chicago Press, p. 336.
- ^ Volk, Tom, Engelbrecht, Kathleen, "Tom Volk's Fungus of the Month", Ganoderma lucidum
- ^ Craig, Rebekah; Levetin, Estelle (2000). "Multi Year Study of Ganoderma Biology" (PDF). Aerobiologia. 16. Kluwer Academic Publishers: 75–81.
- ^ Stamets, Paul (2005). Mycelium Running. Ten Speed Press. p. 228. ISBN 978-1-58008-579-3.
External Links
- G. curtisii – Images at Mushroom Observer