Razor-strop Fungus

Scientific name: Piptoporus Betulinus

Common name: Birch polypore, Razor-strop Fungus

Type of decay: Brown Rot

Family: Polyporaceae

Description

This annual bracket causes the brown rot of stems and branches of Birch trees. When the fruiting body first appears (August- October) it is pure white then becoming greyish-brown with age. It is round and lumpy at first becoming kidney shaped with maturity. The upper surface of the bracket is smooth, leathery and brown. The underside of the bracket has fine pores and the spore powder is white. Old fruiting bodies can be seen all year round. The flesh is white and corky with a fragrant scent. The name Razor strop fungus comes from its sharpening properties and can be used to sharpen razors.

Effects of fungus on tree:

Causes brown rot and brittle fracture of the stem an branches of birch trees. The decay caused by Piptoporus betulinus is very rapid.

Hosts: Birches

Fig.1 & Fig.2 – Fruiting bodies on silver birch