Trametes betulina – Gilled Polypore

The gilled polypore, also known as birch mazegill, is a unique polypore since it has gill-like ridges under its cap. The gilled polypore is a saprobic fungus which is most often found on decaying hardwood, although it can be occasionally found on conifers.

The velvety cap has multicolored zones, similar to turkey tail. The gilled polypore is easily distinguished from turkey tail by looking at the underside of the cap. Turkey tail will have small pores under its cap, while the gilled polypore has gill-like ridges.

The gilled polypore is inedible due to its tough and leathery texture, but it has been found to have anti-tumor, antioxidant, immuno-modulatory, and antimicrobial properties.

--
Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.