Known to the Japanese as Reishi and to the Chinese as Ling Chi, this species produces a flat, shelf-like mushroom, with a smooth, lacquered finish. Plug spawn of this species can inoculate hardwood stumps or logs; after incubating the logs may be partially buried, horizontally-oriented. This helps conserve water during fruiting. Reputed to have immune-supporting properties by both the Chinese and Japanese, Ganoderma lucidum has long been used in teas.