365 Urban Species. #065: Birch Polypore

[urbpan]

photos by cottonmanifesto
Urban species #065: Birch polypore Piptoporus betulina

Twice before in this series (red tree brain and black knot) we have seen fungi that are specific about what trees they infect. Here we return to the theme with birch polypore ("polypore" refers to the many small holes that make up the spore-producing underside). Birch polypore is a mushroom produced by a fungus that only infects birch trees (one source claims that it occurs "rarely on beech"). It can infect living trees as a parasite, and when the tree sickens, whether due to the fungus or other cause, it will feed on the dead wood. Seldom will you encounter a dead birch tree without several birch polypore mushrooms on it.

The fungus is also called "razor strop," because apparently its flesh can be used to hone a blade. The dry spongy mushroom can also be used as tinder, and may have medicinal uses. The well-preserved 5000 year old corpse of a man found in the alps was found to have a couple pieces of birch polypore threaded on a cord, on his person. What value these specimens had to the man is a matter for speculation and contemplation.

Comments

[ankhanu.livejournal.com]

I love the cup or sucker shape of this species. At first I thought I'd never seen this before, but I realized I have... and, come to think of it, I may have seen it on a particularily gnarled beech once, but I'm not sure.

Fantastic shots, there's some interesting perspective work going on in, well, all three.

its flesh can be used to hone a blade

[vampyrusgirl.livejournal.com]

Because I watch so many prison shows, all I can think of is making a Mushroom Shiv. I'll cut you, bitch!!!

heeeee!!!

[cottonmanifesto.livejournal.com]

that totally made me giggle. :)

Re: heeeee!!!

[vampyrusgirl.livejournal.com]

Inmates are some of the most creative people ever, not surprisingly given the amount of time on their hands and the number of limitations on them that they want solutions to. If only it didn't all get channeled into making illegal weaponry.

hmm

[cottonmanifesto.livejournal.com]

probably equally for intimidation and for self-defense

did i mention that i'm glad i'm not in jail?

Re: heeeee!!!

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

Don't forget their jailhouse booze!

Re: heeeee!!!

[vampyrusgirl.livejournal.com]

Now I know what to get (make) you for your birthday!