Birch Polypore
Fomitopsis betulina
Identification: Fomitopsis betulina (Birch Polypore)

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Caratteristiche Chiave
- 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.
Colore:
Pale tan to whitish cap; dark brown/blackish pore surface (aged).
Odore:
No distinctive smell
Schema di Crescita:
Single
Ambiente:
Wood
Habitat e Distribuzione
Habitat:
Deciduous forest, growing on dead or dying birch trees.
Distribuzione:
Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, common in the UK.
Stagionalità:
Year-round (perennial)
Valore Economico
Domanda di Mercato:
Low - used primarily in traditional medicine and crafts.
Fascia di Prezzo:
N/A
Uso Commerciale:
Historically used as tinder, razor strops, and for medicinal teas.
Specie Simili
Smoky Polypore
Bjerkandera adusta
Differenze Chiave:
- 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
Differenze Chiave:
- Very thin and flexible cap.
- Cap surface highly zoned with multiple colors.
- Pore surface is white with minute pores.
Azione Consigliata
Do not consume. This species is non-toxic but tough and generally considered inedible.