Black Reishi (Ganoderma curtisii / Ganoderma sinense) – Terrestrial Fungi Bio-Prospected Line

We offer fresh-made Agar plates, Slants, Liquid Cultures, and Spore Prints, all prepared to order in a sterile environment. Please allow 3–5 business days for processing before shipment.

Black Reishi (Ganoderma curtisii / Ganoderma sinense): Southeastern U.S. & Asian Lineages

This culture originates from specimens with a strikingly dark, lacquered cap—so deep it almost gleams black under sunlight. Unlike the more common reddish Ganoderma lucidum, Black Reishi shows a shadowed sheen and dense resinous body, making it both visually and medicinally unique.

Collected and refined through Terrestrial Fungi’s work, Black Reishi produces both antler-like growths in high CO₂ conditions and broad shiny conks when given full air exchange. Folk tradition associates the darker coloration with potency and protective qualities, and modern studies echo similar profiles: β-glucans, triterpenoids, ganoderic acids, and antioxidants contribute to its role as an immune-supporting and restorative tonic.

The extract resin from this lineage is especially thick and aromatic, producing a bold base for tinctures, teas, or encapsulated extracts. Many cultivators report that Black Reishi supports deep relaxation and restful sleep, much like its red counterparts—but with a more grounding, calming energy.

And of course—grown with love, with a touch of southern hospitality. 😉

We use organically and locally grown milo grain as our inoculant of choice, paired with hardwood sawdust-based substrates for reliable colonization and robust fruiting.

🍄 Ganoderma curtisii / sinense: Comprehensive Profile

Overview

• Common Name: Black Reishi

• Scientific Name(s): Ganoderma curtisii (North America) / Ganoderma sinense (Asia)

• Family: Ganodermataceae

• Ecological Role: Saprotroph & parasite (wood-decaying)

• Habitat: Dead or dying hardwoods (especially oaks, maples, elms)

• Distribution: G. curtisii widely distributed in the Southeastern U.S.; G. sinense primarily in China/Asia

🔬 Taxonomy

RankClassificationDomainEukaryotaKingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderPolyporalesFamilyGanodermataceaeGenusGanodermaSpeciesG. curtisii / G. sinense

🧬 Morphological Characteristics

Fruiting Body (Conk):

• Shape: Semi-circular to kidney-shaped

• Size: 5–25 cm across

• Cap Surface: Dark black-lacquered sheen, sometimes with purplish tones

• Texture: Woody and dense

• Stipe: Usually very short or absent (sessile)

• Pores: White when fresh, browning with age

• Spore Print: Brown

Hyphal System:

• Trimitic (generative, skeletal, binding hyphae)

• Diagnostic feature of Ganoderma spp.

🌍 Ecology & Distribution

• Southeastern U.S. (curtisii): On oaks and other hardwoods; common in urban and natural forests.

• Asia (sinense): Found in subtropical forests on hardwood hosts.

• Role:

  • Saprotrophic: Decomposes lignin (white rot).

  • Parasitic: Weakens live trees, causing structural decline.

⚠️ Infected trees may pose fall hazards in urban areas.

🌿 Distinguishing Features

• Black Reishi vs Red Reishi (lucidum): Darker, almost obsidian cap vs bright red lacquer.

• vs Ganoderma sessile: Sessile also, but more reddish/brown and common in Texas.

• vs Ganoderma applanatum: Black Reishi is glossy; Artist’s Conk is matte.

⚕️ Medicinal Potential

Known Constituents:

• Triterpenoids

• β-glucans (polysaccharides)

• Ganoderic acids

• Antioxidants

Possible Effects:

• Immunomodulatory

• Anti-inflammatory

• Antioxidant

• Antimicrobial

• Adaptogenic / calming effects

Note: Most clinical research centers on Ganoderma lucidum; Black Reishi shares many compounds but is less studied directly.

⚠️ Toxicity / Edibility

• Not toxic, but too woody to consume directly.

• Best used for teas, tinctures, powdered extracts.

• As with all wild Ganoderma: confirm ID—older/degraded fruiting bodies may host molds.

📸 Identification in the Wild

• Season: Late spring through fall in moist conditions

• Location: Hardwood stumps, roots, or trunks

• Appearance: Glossy, almost black caps; white pore surface when fresh

📚 Historical & Taxonomic Notes

• G. curtisii often described as “Yellow Reishi” in older texts, but its dark cap sheen has earned the “Black” title in modern use.

• G. sinense long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as “Zi Zhi” (Purple/Black Reishi).

• Both species are now recognized as distinct but medicinally parallel to lucidum.

✅ Summary: Key Points on Black Reishi

• Rare, dark-lacquered Ganoderma species (curtisii/sinense)

• Produces both ornamental antlers and glossy black conks

• Highly resinous, excellent for tinctures and teas

• Shares medicinal compounds with Red Reishi but less widely studied

• Ecologically important as both decomposer and parasite