Fun with Fungus: Hoof Fungus

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Hoof fungus (Fomes fomentarius) is constructed of layers of tubes that grow annually to form the shape of a hoof. The fruitbodies can live for years so there shape will form over time. The upper side is pale grey with darker concentric bands and ridged with furrows.The underside has pores and is a mix of pale grey-brown and darker brown. Each 'hoof' is 5-20 cm wide and 7-20 cm deep.
Its' prior use was to light fires, giving it its other name of tinder fungus.

Hoof fungus grows on dead or dying birch and beech trees and can be observed all year round. It infects through broken bark and causes rot. This fungus is commonly found in the north, particularly the Scottish Highlands, but it has been increasing in frequency in southern counties of England.


The spores produced are white. In spring, a fruiting body can produce up to 887 million spores in an hour.
A random fact about hoof fungus is that a 5,000 year old preserved iceman, Otzi, was found with three pieces of hoof fungus for tinder use.

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