description Birch Polypore Overview
Birch polypore, Fomitopsis betulina, is a wood-decay bracket fungus that grows almost exclusively on birch trees. It forms pale to brown, shelf-like fruit bodies with a porous underside, and the species was formerly known as Piptoporus betulinus. The fungus is associated with Ötzi the Iceman, whose 5,300-year-old remains were found with birch polypore specimens; their exact purpose is uncertain, although proposed uses include tinder and traditional medicine. Some field guides describe young specimens as edible, but mature fruit bodies are tough and are not usually used as a culinary mushroom.
help Birch Polypore FAQ
What is birch polypore?
Birch polypore is Fomitopsis betulina, a wood-decay bracket fungus that grows almost exclusively on birch trees. It forms pale to brown shelf-like fruit bodies.
What was the former scientific name of birch polypore?
The species was formerly known as Piptoporus betulinus. Modern sources generally place it in the genus Fomitopsis as Fomitopsis betulina.
How can birch polypore be recognized?
It typically forms pale, rounded shelves attached to birch trunks, with a porous underside. Its association with birch is one of its most useful field clues.
Why is birch polypore associated with Ötzi the Iceman?
Pieces of birch polypore were found among the belongings of Ötzi, whose preserved body dates to about 3300 BCE. The find shows that humans in the Copper Age carried or used the fungus.
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