Lingzhi mushroom

Ganoderma lucidum

The lingzhi mushroom is a polypore mushroom belonging to the genus "Ganoderma". Its red-varnished, kidney-shaped cap gives it a distinct appearance. When fresh, the lingzhi is soft, cork-like, and flat. It lacks gills on its underside, and instead releases its spores via fine pores. Depending on the age of the mushroom, the pores on its underside may be white or brown.