Phellinus linteus is included in the Phellinus genus of Hymenochaetaceae family of the Aphylloporales order of the mushroom class (Basidiomycetes) that mostly consists of fungi of medical use and edible fungi. Phellinus linteus is called Meshima in Japan (Danjo Island), Sanghwang in Korea and China.
Phellinus igniarius is a different species of mushroom from Phellinus linteus and the second most biologically active Phellinus species known of. Although not recorded to be as potent as Phellinus linteus, modern research reveals the presence of many beneficial compounds inside Phellinus igniarius natural fruiting body with a variety of useful health applications.
Phellinus linteus and Phellinus igniarius grow naturally on trunks of willow, paper mulberry and elm trees that have lifetimes of more than 100 years. The mushroom needs to grow for 30-40 years under perfect conditions for the fruiting body to have valuable health applications.