Quick Facts

Scientific name:  Fomitopsis betulina, formerly Piptoporus betulinus

Size:  Cap up to 15cm across

Distribution:  Found throughout the U.K.

Months seen:  All year round

Habitat:  Found exclusively on birch trees

Special features:  The Birch Bracket is also known as the Birch Polypore.  It's all white when young, then turns brown on the top as it ages.  When mature it has a texture similar to polystyrene, and was once used for sharpening razor blades, hence it's other common name of the 'Razor Strop Fungus'.

The Birch Bracket also makes an unusual canvas for artists and pyrograghers who can draw, paint or burn their artwork onto the underside of the fungi.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Fungi Section
• Identify other wildlife
• Free Newsletter