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An enormous mushroom has been discovered in China.

At its widest point, the Lingzhi is 3ft (107cm) wide and weighs a staggering 16.4lbs (7.45kg).

The oval fungus, popularly known as the 'immortality mushroom,' is believed to possess many health giving benefits.

Fantastic fungi: This enormous mushroom measures three ft (107cm) wide and weighs a staggering 16.4lbs (7.45kg). The oval fungus, popularly known as the 'immortality mushroom,' is believed to possess many health giving benefits. There is no fixed price for the mushrooms, with price depending on quality and size, but based on the price for a 'basic' bag, the giant mushroom is worth around US$894 (£592)

Store owner Wei Fangning showed off the giant mushroom - also known as ganoderma lucidum - at his shop in Hezhou city, in China's south-west Guangxi province.

The Lingzhi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years.

It is very distinctive looking as it is flat, with a conspicuous red-varnished, kidney-shaped cap and, depending on a caps's age, is white with brown pores underneath.

It has no gills on its underside and releases its spores through fine pores. When fresh, it is described as 'soft and corky'.

Store owner Wei Fangning showed the giant mushroom (pictured) - also known as ganoderma lucidum - off at his shop in Hezhou city, in China's south-west Guangxi province. Here its cap can be seen from the underside

There is no fixed price for the mushrooms, with price depending on quality, the amount of processing and size, among other criteria.

Based on a 'basic' bag of Lingzhi powder priced at $30 (£20) for 0.56lbs (250 grams), however, the giant mushroom is worth around US$894 (£592). 

The Lingzhi mushroom is sought after in medicine because it is associated with long life.

There are said to be around a thousand compounds found in the mushroom, and studies have shown its spores are plentiful in pharmaceutical ingredients.

The mushroom is said to boost immunity thanks to active compounds called polysaccharides, which can increase the activity of white blood cells, according to one herbalist. 

Scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences also claimed that the polysaccharides and triterpenes – hydrocarbons - in the lingzhi are the key ingredients to maintaining a physiological balance within the human body.

It is used to help lower blood pressure and relieve symptoms of allergies as well as coughs and asthmas. Some herbalists think it can even slow down the ageing process.

Scientists have suggested that beta-glucans, which are complex sugars found in Lingzhi, may also stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.

The Lingzhi mushroom (pictured) is sought after in medicine because it is associated with long life.There are said to be around a thousand compounds found in the mushroom and studies have shown its spores are plentiful in pharmaceutical ingredients

The mushroom is said to boost immunity thanks to active compounds called polysaccharides, which can increase the activity of white blood cell. Here the giant specimen is weighed