Identification
Pale smooth brackets on birch only; white pore underside; firm corky flesh.
History
Found among Ötzi's belongings (5300 BP) — possibly used as tinder or medicine (he carried intestinal parasites the fungus affects in vitro).
Compounds
Piptamine, betulinic acid precursors, polysaccharides — preclinical activity documented.
In practice
- Pale bracket + birch only = birch polypore.
- Historically used as a styptic bandage too.