Birch Polypore - Fomitopsis betulina
Piptoporus betulinus
This common bracket has a smooth curvy look as the rim wraps over the edge of the pores. The cap is pale brown and the underside is white. Though the brackets are produced annually, last year's often survive and are often dark and discoloured.
Exclusively on fallen dead Birch wood and on standing dead or dying tree trunks.
All year round
The alternative name of Razorstrop Fungus originated because it has been traditionally dried and used for sharpening knives and razors.
Very common throughout Britain
Very common in Leicestershire and Rutland.
David Nicholls
Change Spinney, Ratby
17 November 2011
Isabel Raval
Cademan Wood
15 October 2024
Graham Calow
Freeholt Wood Sapcote
26 April 2006
Graham Calow
Ulverscroft
08 September 2011
David Nicholls
Ulverscroft NR
05 November 2004
immature specimen
Graham Calow
Ulverscroft
08 September 2011
underside
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Species profile
- Common names
- Razor Strop Fungus, Birch Polypore
- Species group:
- Fungi
- Kingdom:
- Fungi
- Order:
- Polyporales
- Family:
- Fomitopsidaceae
- Records on NatureSpot:
- 198
- First record:
- 05/11/2004 (Nicholls, David)
- Last record:
- 26/04/2025 (Hollingworth, Jane)
Total records by month
% of records within its species group
10km squares with records
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Latest images
Latest records
Graham Calow
Freeholt Wood Sapcote
26 October 2006
Graham Calow
Ulverscroft
08 September 2011
AJ Cann
Martinshaw
30 September 2017
