Birch Polypore
Fomitopsis betulina
Identification: Fomitopsis betulina (Birch Polypore)
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Caractéristiques clés
- Sessile
- hoof-shaped or kidney-shaped bracket.
- Grows exclusively on birch wood (Betula spp.).
- Upper surface pale tan to whitish
- smooth or finely velvety.
- Pore surface white/cream when young
- darkening to brown/blackish with age.
- Thick
- corky
- and tough texture.
Couleur :
Pale tan to whitish cap; dark brown/blackish pore surface (aged).
Odeur :
No distinctive smell
Mode de croissance :
Single
Environnement :
Wood
Habitat et distribution
Habitat :
Deciduous forest, growing on dead or dying birch trees.
Distribution :
Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, common in the UK.
Saisonnalité :
Year-round (perennial)
Valeur économique
Demande du marché :
Low - used primarily in traditional medicine and crafts.
Gamme de prix :
N/A
Usage commercial :
Historically used as tinder, razor strops, and for medicinal teas.
Espèces similaires
Smoky Polypore
Bjerkandera adusta
Différences clés :
- Much thinner and flexible structure.
- Pore surface is distinctly smoky grey to black.
- Grows on various hardwoods, not restricted to birch.
Turkey Tail
Trametes versicolor
Différences clés :
- Very thin and flexible cap.
- Cap surface highly zoned with multiple colors.
- Pore surface is white with minute pores.
Action recommandée
Do not consume. This species is non-toxic but tough and generally considered inedible.