Survival and practical uses of Birch Polypore (Razor Strop)

Birch Polypore (Razor Strop) (Piptoporus betulinus)

Survival and practical Uses.

 Piptoporus is from the Greek piptein meaning “to fall,” and Latin porus for “pores.” Betulinus

refers of course to Betula spp., the birch upon which it commonly grows.

Wildcrafters may wish to note that forests rich in birch polypore and Fomes fomentarius are poor in Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), and vice versa. That is, it appears that once some fungi have set up home, others are less welcome. The wood decayed by the fungus has the distinct odor of green apples.

Chicken Of The Woods — Spring Harvest

Chicken Of The Woods — Spring Harvest

As summer approaches, be on the lookout for another round of choice edible mushrooms... especially this one — Chicken Of The Woods. I recently encountered two separate species in Western Pennsylvania and decided to film the experiences. Enjoy!

Morel Mushroom Harvesting Tips

Morel Mushroom Harvesting Tips 

Video from Learn Your Land.

Blue Mushrooms In A Glacial Gorge with Adam Haritan

Blue isn't the easy color to find in Pennsylvania's backcountry.... unless you're looking for mushrooms. In this video filmed at McConnells Mill State Park, I discuss two blue fungi growing in January — the blue-green stain fungus (Chlorociboria aeruginascens) and conifer blueing bracket (Postia caesia).

Birch Polypore Mushroom Identification & Medicinal Benefits

Birch Polypore Mushroom 

The birch polypore (Fomitopsis betulina, Piptoporus betulinus) is a mushroom whose use by humans dates back at least 5,300 years. Since then, this species has been utilized as a food, medicine, styptic, polisher, razor strop, fire transporter, and more. In this video, we take a look at identifying features, as well as its impressive medicinal profile.

Adam Haritan is the creator of http://learnyourland.com/

Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma tsugae) Identification And Medicinal

Ganoderma tsugae (reishi, hemlock varnish shelf) is a polypore mushroom that grows on fallen hemlock trees in North America. In this video, Adam Haritan explains how to positively identify this mushroom. He also discusses medicinal benefits and related species.