Birch Bracket Fungus (Piptoporus betulinus)

Birch Bracket Fungus in Eyeworth Wood

One of our commonest, most conspicuous and readily recognised fungi, the Birch Bracket Fungus is widespread and abundant in the New Forest. As the name suggests, it is a bracket fungus that grows exclusively on birch trees.

Also known as the Birch Polypore, it is a parasite with striking brackets that can grow to around 20 centimetres across and up to 6 centimetres deep, although many specimens are considerably smaller. They are present throughout the year.

This fungus is scarcely edible when very young and inedible when older. Brave souls who have tried it report a tough, rubbery texture and bitter taste. However, a further alternative name, Razor-strop Fungus, reflects traditional use of the velvety cut surface as a 'strop' for straightening, polishing and thus sharpening the blades of razors.

Warning: refer to a good, comprehensive fungus field guide to confirm identification, and only eat those species known without any doubt whatsoever to be edible - people have died after eating certain poisonous specimens.

References:
Mushrooms and other Fungi of Great Britain and Europe - Roger Phillips
The Mushrooms and Toadstools of Britain and North-western Europe - Marcel Bon
Fungi of Britain and Europe - Stefan Buczacki and John Wilkinson
The MacDonald Encyclopedia of Mushrooms and Toadstools - Giovanni Pacioni
Fungi of the New Forest: A Mycota - Edited by Gordon Dickson and Ann Leonard
A Passion for Mushrooms - Antonio Carluccio