Fomes fomentarius has acquired its common name of the 'Hoof Fungus' because, after several years growth, its typical fruiting body resembles a horses hoof. Its other common name, the 'Tinder Fungus' was used to describe the fact that its flesh could be used as tinder for fire starting.

This fungus is very common on Birch trees in the northern parts of Britain whilst in the south it would be rarely found, with Birch Polypore being the more common..

This typical picture supplied by Terry Marsh of Southampton.

Click on this picture to view a larger image of Fomes growing on Silver Birch in the north of the UK.

Link to a page containing 4 large images including a scan of a sliced bracket (Chris Skellern).

Interesting article including pictures.