Description

Properties

Fomitopsis betulina is a fungus from the family of dry rot relatives. It attacks birch trees and lives parasitically in them. After the tree dies, it switches to a saprophytic lifestyle.

Although it has long been known in folk medicine in Central Europe as a traditional remedy for stomach complaints, only a few cultivators have succeeded in cultivating it.

In arboriculture, Fomitopsis betulina is an indicator of the loss of a tree’s health…. The birch porling causes severe brown rot in birch trees. The wood of the infested tree becomes brittle and turns dark brown (cube fracture). The mycelium of the fungus is found between the fracture lines of the wood. The result is usually wind breakage at the level of the infestation.

The Fomitopsis betulina exclusively attacks birch trees. Usually, the fungus invades old, dying trees via break-off points of branches where the xylem has been exposed. In the process, it breaks down the cellulose of the tree, causing massive losses to the wood substance. Within three months, the tree can thus lose 50-70% of its mass in the infested areas. This is serious, as birch trees contain only about 20% mass of lignin.

The birch polypore is often attacked by mycetophagous pests, which are usually insects and mites. In the first six months, the fruiting body is particularly attacked by Tetratoma fungorum, while dead fungi are decomposed mainly by Cis bilamellatus; both species are beetles that feed primarily on fungi. While the latter spends its entire life cycle in the fruiting body, T. fungorum pupates in rotten wood or nearby soil before the imagines infest the fungus. Old fruiting bodies are often colonized by the birch porling cushion pustule fungus.

As a tea infusion og Fomitopsis betulina, it is very good for all kinds of stomach problems. In naturopathy, it is said to be effective against tumor diseases of various forms by reducing the side effects of chemotherapy. It has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and antiviral effects. It also helps against worm diseases and other intestinal parasites. It promotes hair growth and improves the complexion. “Ötzi” also had a birch polypore with him. While it was initially suspected that the mushrooms may have contained hallucinogens, this soon turned out to be false, as did their use as tinder. The man probably carried the mushrooms with him for their antibiotic effect.

Researched for its phytochemistry and pharmacological activity. Phytochemicals include phenolic acids, indole compounds, sterols, and triterpenes.

Agaric acid found in the fruit body of the fungus, is poisonous to the parasitic whipworm Trichuris trichura.

In earlier times, Fomitopsis betulina was mainly used as a medicine. The fruiting body cut into thin strips was used as a bandage for wound healing, among other things because of its anti-inflammatory ingredients. In Scandinavia, its flesh was used as a sheath for knives to protect them from rust.

More recently, the birch polyporehas been gaining interest again, as studies have confirmed its high antioxidant activity, as well as antibacterial and antiviral effects (especially on influenza strains). Also, antitumor properties have been noted, which are currently being further investigated.

1. Growing

2. Identification

3. Consuming

4. Data