[Ganoderma]

This was a simple research project. It was not completed at the extent originally projected, and probably will not be completed, but had a lot of fun with it in the process. Remind you all, I have no formal training in science field (yet) I am always a music and art train of thought. This is the first of my independant research dialogs; the natural science of Reishi. Here is the data gathered from the study.

The purpose was to monitor areas where Reishi grew in quantity, at areas where infected trees are close and numerous, and fruiting Reishi year round. One highlight was to map the GPS coordinates at each collection point, and to return to the same trees (for additional ID's) at quarterly intervals throughout the year. At location 1 have found up to 5 various species of Ganoderma in seemingly close proximity to eachother.

It was to give some understanding of how similar species in the Ganoderma lucidum complex can occur sub-interregional, and intraspecific in nature. The main purpose was to gain a better generalization 'why' or 'if' all of the glossy species are the same in itself. I tried my best to keep it simple. The study was a test-run, and I was happy with the outcome. Note: I was a land surveyor in the southwester region of Florida, hence.. a reishi survey..


Here is the arial photogrammetry from at two research sites, including the species Identified:



These were our field worksheets for each collection... confusing yes, but it did get the job done:


I am confident about all of my ID's. They were made in the field, then confirmed at home. Each identification took me about 10 minutes to make, double, then triple-check. A research assistant was very very helpful to have along to perform this study. Another note, is that my GPS was not the best, and to perform a true Geomatic Survey one might require readings of the exact elevations where specimens grew from the trees.

With this work, I did not place all too much emphasis on the exact Specie of tree... they all grew from oaks. I have made observations about the relations of species-to-tree types, but, honestly I am not certain how to differentiate the large oaks in Florida. I have some idea, but, a water oak and live oak can sometimes look much alike is my current understanding.

I have learned how to ID the reishi type species in Florida in a matter of seconds, which took a deal of learning and a surprising ratio of mistakes initially. The species collected for this study were limited to: G. curtisii, lucidum (Var. lucidum), and resinaceum.

3 photographs were taken Per each of collection identified: 1 widefield, 1 closer, and 1 close-up. It's too many pics to share them all here. The collections were selected with no bias or, not mattering if it is a picture perfect specimen. But, here are pics from the find that I liked most, from on May 3rd, collection 7, including a clear microscope image of it's spores, I'm proud of that one:





Questions, comments, suggestions, improvements?

When I find the time, I will describe a conclusion, and suggest improvements for the methods used from conducting this test study.

Happy mushroomhunting,




Ganoderma

[Morel Doctor]

LOOKS GREAT, good luck in this endeavor.

[Ducks n' Morels]

Very interesting study, great idea! Ganodermas are a very interesting and beautiful species of fungi. I haven't been lucky enough to find any in the wild yet(I think, found that one huge varnished conk whatever it was... lol), but I'll keep looking. I'll be interested to see what you come up with. Did you keep samples for possible DNA analysis? That would be an interesting but pricey endeavor...unless you could find a mycologist out there that was studying Ganoderma DNA.

[Ganoderma]

Thanks for the compliments guys. Ducks, the varnished conks do occur in Illinois. Re: no on the DNA. I do not have training in that field. Some experts indicate that their DNA test results with Ganoderma lucidum varieties have baffled them. I explore the mysteries of the Reishi on a shoe string and independently. Another project topic will be posted within the next few days at the Science Lab.