Added on 31/12/2011Fungi

Piptoporus betulinus


Common Name(s): Birch Polypore, Razor Strop Fungus



This is a very common fungus found on the Birch (Betula) species. It has a distinctive shape and colouring. The upper surface is grey/brown with a leathery texture. The underside is white. The bracket may be connected to the stem with a stalk. These fruiting bodies are a reliable sign that the affected area has an advanced level of infection and is probably extensively decayed. Such infected branches and stems can fail in windy conditions.

Pictures By Chris Skellern


Note the orientation of the brackets (below) showing they developed after tree fall.



Picture below by Terry Marsh.









Please Note: Many Fungi are toxic and individual reactions to them vary widely. Do not touch or eat fungi unless you have accurately identified them. The AIE can not accept any legal responsibility or liability for errors in identification or for individual reactions to the consumption of fungi.