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Elucidating ‘Lucidum’: Distinguishing the Diverse Laccate Ganoderma Species of the United States

Summary

This research clarifies which species of the medicinal mushroom genus Ganoderma are actually present in the United States. For many years, multiple different species were incorrectly labeled as a single European species (G. lucidum). Through detailed analysis of DNA and physical characteristics, the researchers identified 12 distinct native species in the U.S., with the European species only found in two small introduced populations. This has important implications for: • Accurate identification of medicinally valuable Ganoderma species in North America • Understanding which species cause decay in different types of trees • Preventing the spread of non-native fungal species through mushroom cultivation • Proper labeling of Ganoderma products in the medicinal mushroom industry • Conservation of native North American Ganoderma species

Background

For the past century, many studies of Ganoderma in North America and other regions of the world have used the name G. lucidum sensu lato for any laccate (shiny or varnished) Ganoderma species growing on hardwood trees or substrates. Molecular studies have established that G. lucidum sensu stricto (Curtis) Karst is native to Europe and some parts of China.

Objective

To determine the species of the laccate Ganoderma that are present in the United States by studying over 500 collections from recently collected samples and herbarium specimens from hardwoods, conifers, and monocots using morphological and molecular methods.

Results

Thirteen taxa representing twelve species were identified from U.S. collections: G. curtisii, G. lucidum sensu stricto, G. martinicense, G. oregonense, G. polychromum, G. ravenelii, G. sessile, G. tsugae, G. tuberculosum, G. cf. weberianum, G. zonatum, and Tomophagus colossus. G. meredithiae was synonymized with G. curtisii and considered a physiological variant that specializes in decay of pines. Species previously considered as G. lucidum sensu lato were found to be divergent from one another and from G. lucidum sensu stricto.

Conclusion

This study clarifies the complex taxonomy of laccate Ganoderma species in the United States by identifying twelve distinct species through molecular and morphological analysis. G. lucidum sensu stricto was found only in restricted areas of Utah and California, likely from introduction. The research provides a foundation for accurate species identification and will help remove ambiguities from future studies of North American Ganoderma species.
  • Published in:PLOS One,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Research,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199738
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