Every few months, we update The Fungi Room, our free-to-visit, permanent fungi exhibit located at Unit 3 on Markfield Road, with exciting new additions. Each new display introduces unique fungi, with detailed information about their ecological roles, medicinal benefits, and fascinating life cycles. Meet our latest roster of fascinating fungi friends, and learn more about their characteristics, uses, and the ways they contribute to the natural world...
Reishi
Ganoderma lucidum
Enclosed within these specialised filter bags are living specimens of the "mushroom of immortality" – the reishi mushroom. There are several different closely related but genetically distinct species of fungi in the Ganoderma genus that are referred to as reishi, however, G. lucidum is considered “true reishi” and is the subject of most scientific research studying its various bioactive compounds and their potential health benefits. Somewhat confusingly, the reishi found in China, long thought to be G. lucidum has since been reclassified as G. sichuanense, yet the name G. lucidum is still widely used in both scientific literature and commercial products.
Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, reishi is prized for its powerful healing properties. Rich in bioactive compounds, reishi contains triterpenes, which are known to help lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, thereby promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. These compounds are believed to support the body's defenses by enhancing immune function, making reishi a popular choice for boosting overall health and vitality. Additionally, research has shown that reishi may improve sleep quality by helping regulate sleep patterns and promoting deeper, more restful sleep. Its combination of immune-boosting, stress-reducing, and sleep-enhancing properties has made reishi an important herbal remedy for centuries, with increasing scientific interest in its potential to support long-term health and well-being.
Reishi is considered too tough and bitter to eat, however its medicinal compounds are typically extracted in the form of tinctures or teas.
This particular strain of G. lucidum is native to the UK and thrives on hardwood substrates. It grows slowly over several months, but you can already see early signs of growth in one of the bags. In an enclosed environment like these sealed filter bags, high CO2 levels cause the fruiting bodies to grow in an antler-like formation, resulting in thin, elongated structures as they reach for oxygen. Since reishi is phototrophic—meaning it grows toward light—these antlers can be directed to grow in different directions, creating spectacular displays. When exposed to higher oxygen levels, reishi grows wider and forms a conk, the shape it typically takes in the wild.
Be sure to check back at The Fungi Room to follow the progress of our reishi as it grows over the next few months! Want to grow your very own reishi? Take a look at our ready-to-grow reishi kits here: https://www.fatfoxmushrooms.com/reishi-kits
Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris
Growing inside the jars is Cordyceps militaris. There are over 600 documented species of Cordyceps, most of which are parasitic on insects with a few others being parasitic on other fungi. In the wild, C. militaris is usually found growing from the pupae of butterflies and moths that have burrowed underground (check out the dried specimen jars in The Fungi Room for an idea of what this can look like!) However, this particular species can be cultivated without an insect host, and in this case it is growing on brown rice.
Although cordyceps has reached mainstream infamy by being the inspiration for the cause of the zombie outbreak in the video game The Last Of Us and its TV adaptation of the same name, much like reishi it also has a long history of usage in traditional medicine in China. Modern research has found evidence for its potential health benefits, including reducing fatigue during exercise, lowering inflammation, inhibiting tumour growth, reducing oxidative stress and helping to manage cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Beyond its medicinal potential, C. militaris is also a fantastic culinary mushroom! In Chinese cuisine, it’s often used in soups and hot pots for both flavour and health benefits. Surprisingly, in our taste tests, it had a rich, buttery aroma—similar to buttered popcorn! With its natural balance of sweet and umami flavours, it makes a delicious addition to any dish that calls for mushrooms.
Cordyceps grow fairly quickly - in a couple of weeks. Make sure you check in to see how its progressing! You can grow this fascinating mushroom at home with our Cordyceps jars or our Cordyceps tub grow kits.
Black reishi
Ganoderma sinense
Growing inside the skull is another species of reishi, Ganoderma sinense or commonly known as black reishi. This species is native to China, Japan and Taiwan and likes to grow on decaying logs or tree stumps of trees like hemlock or maple.
Like other reishi species, it has many medicinal uses, being used in traditional Eastern medicine for over 2000 years. It’s an amazing antioxidant, it has polysaccharides that modulate the immune response and help the body defend itself against pathogens. It’s a powerful adaptogen, meaning it also helps to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, helping with relaxation.
Antler reishi
Ganoderma multipileum
This species of reishi, G.multipileum looks really unique, with its many antlers, it looks almost like a bonsai tree or some coral. It also carries a very fitting name as a member of the Ganoderma species, with its name meaning 'many pores' in latin, very fitting!
The unique antler formation of this reishi happens under certain conditions, namely the amount of carbon dioxide in the environment. Antler reishi needs high levels of carbon dioxide to grow its signature antler formation. They will also grow in the direction of a strong light source.
Antler reishi is native to tropical Asia and like its other reishi counterparts, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as an anti-oxidant and way to reduce stress.
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