About
Piptoporus betulinus, commonly known as the Birch Polypore, is a tough, leathery bracket fungus found almost exclusively on birch trees. With its smooth, grayish-brown cap and white pore surface, this fungus is non-toxic but inedible due to its tough consistency. It has long been valued in folk medicine and natural healing for its antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and immune-supporting properties.
History
Used by humans for thousands of years, the Birch Polypore gained significant historical fame when a specimen was found in the belongings of Ötzi the Iceman, the well-preserved natural mummy dating back over 5,000 years. Ötzi’s association with this mushroom suggests its use as a medicinal or antiparasitic agent in prehistoric times.
In traditional European medicine, it has been used to make teas and tinctures thought to treat infections, inflammation, and digestive disorders. The fungus also has a historical reputation for being used to strop razors and preserve leather, thanks to its fibrous interior and antimicrobial properties.
Overview
Piptoporus betulinus typically appears as a solitary or clustered bracket on dead or dying birch trees, rarely occurring on other hosts. The fruiting body can reach 10–20 cm across, is semicircular in shape, and has a leathery consistency. The underside contains tiny pores instead of gills, releasing white spores.
Though not eaten, it is often dried and brewed into tea or processed into extracts. Its bioactive compounds, such as betulinic acid and piptamine, are under continued study for their potential in pharmaceutical and immunological applications. The Birch Polypore stands out as an enduring example of traditional fungal medicine supported by modern science.
Flavors
Bitter
Piptoporus betulinus can have a slightly bitter taste, especially when mature.
Mild
Younger specimens of Birch Polypore can have a milder flavor.
Textures
Spongy
The pore surface of Birch Polypore is spongy to touch.
Tough
The fruiting body of Birch Polypore is tough, especially when mature.
Leathery
The texture of the mushroom's cap is leathery, especially in older specimens.
Fragrances
Earthy
Piptoporus betulinus has a natural earthy aroma typical of many mushrooms.
Fungal
The scent is distinctly fungal, reminiscent of the forest floor.
Physical Characteristics
Caps:
Annual, up to 20 cm wide. White to tan, becomes cracked with age.
Gills:
Small rounded pores, 5-7 per mm, white.
Helps With
Cardiovascular Support
Birch polypore has traditionally been used to eliminate intestinal worms and parasites
Cancer
Exhibits cytotoxic effects against certain cancer cell lines
Immune System
Stimulates nonspecific immune response
Medicinal Chemistry
Similar Species
Species: Fomitopsis betulina
Edibility: non-edible
Key Differences: Grows on multiple tree species, smaller pore surface
Species: Fomitopsis betulina
Edibility: non-edible
Mushroom Ratings
5.0
Based on 2 Reviews
5
★4
★3
★2
★1
★Share your thoughts
If you've consumed this mushroom, share your thoughts with our community
01/29/2025
Hunter Zyniecki
01/29/2025
Ruth Zota
1 person found this helpful
References
Effects of Piptoporus betulinus Ethanolic Extract on the Proliferation and Viability of Melanoma Cells and Models of Their Cell Membranes
Medicinal Polypores of the Forests of North America: Screening for Novel Antiviral Activity
In this study, several tests were performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the ethanolic extract of Piptoporus betulinus on two melanoma human cell lines
2022
Polypore mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years. The Greek physician Dioscorides first described the use of a wood conk, Agarikon, now known as Fomitopsis officinalis (Vill.: Fr.) Bond. et Singer (= Laricifomes officinalis), as a treatment against consumption in 65 AD. Other wood conks, such as Ling Chi or Reishi, have had a similarly long history of use in Asia.
2005