Birch Polypore Taken at Strathclyde Park on 4th April 2024 using Nikon D500 with Sigma 600 mm lens. Taken at Derwent Water on 18th April 2023 using Nikon D500 with Sigma 600 mm lens. Taken at Strathclyde Park on 20th September 2022 using Panasonic Lumix TZ70 in macro mode. Taken at Dalzell Estate on 24th October 2019 using Panasonic Lumix LX5 in macro mode. Taken at  Hopes Reservoir on 6th January 2019 using Nikon D500 with Sigma 600 mm zoom lens. Birch Polypore. Species: Order: Family: A.K.A. Fomitopsis betulina. Polyporales. Fomitopsidaceae Birch bracket, Razor Strop Habitat: Cap Diameter: Season: Edibility: Feature: Almost exclusively on Birch trees. 10 - 25 cms. Throughout the year, releasing spores in late summer and autumn. Tough and bitter. Not worth collecting It is a necrotrophic parasite on weakened birches, and will cause brown rot and eventually death, being one of the most common fungi visible on dead birches. It is likely that the birch polypore fungus becomes established in small wounds and broken branches and may lie dormant for years, compartmentalised into a small area by the tree's own defence mechanisms, until something occurs to weaken the tree. Fire, drought and suppression by other trees are common causes of such stress. When picking any fungus for consumption, caution should be exercised at all times.