Curtis's Reishi
Ganoderma curtisii
Curtis's Reishi (Ganoderma curtisii) identified
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Key Features
- Varnished
- laccate cap surface
- Concentric rings of red
- purple
- and yellow
- Tough
- woody lateral stem (stipe)
- Creamy white to tan pore surface
- Emerges from buried hardwood roots
Color:
Reddish-purple, yellow-ochre, and cream
Smell:
No distinctive smell
Growth Pattern:
Single
Environment:
soil
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat:
Deciduous forest floor or base of hardwood stumps
Distribution:
Southeastern United States, including Arkansas
Seasonality:
Summer to Fall
Economic Value
Market Demand:
Medium - utilized in traditional medicine and health supplements
Price Range:
$15-40/lb dried
Commercial Use:
Traditional medicine, teas, and tinctures
Similar Species
Golden Reishi
Ganoderma curtisii f. luteum
Key Differences:
- Primarily yellow cap
- Lacks deep purple/red tones
Lingzhi
Ganoderma lucidum
Key Differences:
- Typically lacks the yellow/ochre zones
- Rarely found in the wild in AR (mostly Asian/European)
Sessile Reishi
Ganoderma sessile
Key Differences:
- Lacks a distinct stem
- Grows directly on wood trunks
Recommended Action
Avoid consumption; observe for ecological interest or medicinal study.