Local Finds
January 2012
Walkers along the lane leading from Grumpy to the Witterage noticed large fungi growing on several Birch trees. These were later identified as Piptoporus betulinus, known as the Birch Polypore. This is a common fungus often found on dead or decaying Birch trees, and can last for a year or more.
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| View of top of fungus | Underside view |
One 'claim to fame' for the Birch Polypore is that the 5000 year old mummified man found in the Otztal Alps between Austria and Sweden in 1991 was carrying some with him in a little pouch. He was probably using it for medicinal purposes - though we don't recommend anyone to try it for themselves!