lucidum

Lucidum is a Latin adjective meaning bright or shining. In biological nomenclature it is commonly used as a species epithet (the second part of a binomial name) across different groups of organisms. The exact implication of the epithet depends on the genus and the describer’s intent, but it often alludes to a glossy, luminous, or noticeable appearance.

One of the best-known uses is Ganoderma lucidum, the reishi or lingzhi mushroom. This polypore fungus is native to Asia but is now cultivated and traded worldwide. It has a long history in traditional medicine, and modern interest has focused on its chemical constituents, particularly triterpenoids and polysaccharides. Scientific findings on health benefits are mixed, and no definitive medical claims are supported.

Because lucidum is a common epithet, it appears in many other species names across plants, animals, and fungi. Taxonomic revisions can lead to changes in naming, and some taxa with historical use of lucidum may be reclassified or renamed as science advances.

In summary, lucidum serves as a general taxonomic descriptor rather than a concept with a single, uniform meaning. Its primary function is to convey a perceived brightness or prominence in the organism described.