DXN Ganoderma

mycology:

Ganoderma lucidum

“This conk is listed in the majority of regional Red Lists of Russia as extremely rare and sensitive to pollution and human influence on its habitat.

It was almost shocking to see the enormous fruiting of this rarity in the forests of Bolshoy Chukhtinsky island. The territory of the island has been given the status of a genetic reserve of Siberian Pine (Pinus sibirica), a tree vital to the ecosystem of taiga forests - and many human Siberians, too. Its large seeds rich in oils and protein are the staple food of a variety of local animals, from mice to bears - even local dogs eat them. Moreover, whole villages depend on harvesting cones and seeds - they’re a prized delicacy in Russia.

No human activities other than research and supervised eco-tourism are allowed on the island, and that’s probably why this beautiful fungus is so abundant there.”