Ganoderma applanatum

Based on the search results provided, here are the key points about Ganoderma applanatum:

1. Ganoderma applanatum is a bracket fungus with a cosmopolitan (worldwide) distribution[1]. It is also known as the artist's conk, artist's bracket, or bear bread.

2. It is a parasitic and saprophytic fungus, meaning it can grow on living or dead trees as a mycelium within the wood[1][2]. It forms large, woody, shelf-like fruiting bodies up to 30 cm wide.

3. The fruiting bodies are initially white but soon turn dark red-brown. The upper surface is covered in reddish-brown spores that can be dispersed at a rate of up to 4.65 billion spores per 24 hours from a 10 cm x 10 cm section[1].

4. Ganoderma applanatum has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine to treat conditions like rheumatic tuberculosis, esophageal cancer, indigestion, and more. It has demonstrated anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, and immunomodulatory properties in studies[3].

5. The white pore surface of the fruiting body can be etched or drawn on, staining brown, which has led to its common name "artist's conk"[2][4][5]. This makes it a popular subject for pyrography (wood burning) and other artistic pursuits.

6. Ganoderma applanatum is inedible, though it is closely related to the edible Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom)[2].

In summary, Ganoderma applanatum is a distinctive, woody bracket fungus with a long history of medicinal use and artistic applications due to its unique properties.

Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganoderma_applanatum
[2] https://www.messiah.edu/Oakes/fungi_on_wood/poroid%20fungi/species%20pages/Ganoderma%20applanatum.htm
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8358375/
[4] https://fundkorb.de/pilze/ganoderma-applanatum-flacher-lackporling
[5] http://tintling.com/pilzbuch/arten/g/Ganoderma_applanatum.html