Birch Polypore

Birch Polypore - Fomitopsis betulina

Alternative names
Razorstrop Fungus
Piptoporus betulinus
Description

A large annual bracket with a short thick lateral stem.  The flesh is white, covered with a pale grey-brown papery 'skin'.  The pores are rounded or angular, and small; 3 - 5 per mm.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Photograph upper and lower fertile surface to show pores; note host plant and substrate

Habitat

Exclusively on fallen dead Birch wood and on standing dead or dying tree trunks.

When to see it

All year round

Life History

The alternative name of Razorstrop Fungus originated because it has been traditionally dried and used for sharpening knives and razors.

UK Status

Very common throughout Britain

VC55 Status

Very common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records