Identification
Grey hoof-shaped perennial conk on birch/beech; layered interior — the source of amadou tinder and felt.
History
Used for millennia: fire-starting tinder, felt hats, wound staunching; Ötzi carried a piece alongside birch polypore.
Evidence
Traditional decoctions exist; preclinical studies on polysaccharides are early-stage.
In practice
- Grey hoof on birch/beech, woody layers inside = tinder fungus.