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Inonotus obliquus

Clinker polypore

Description

Fruit body is a sterile conk 25–40 cm across; black; deeply cracked, very hard and brittle when dry. Fertile portion is crust-like, thin; dark brown. Tubes are 3–10 mm deep, brittle, usually split in front. Pores are 6–8 per mm, circular; whitish becoming dark brown. Widely effused, no stem. Flesh corky, faintly zoned; bright yellowish brown. Spores are broadly ellipsoid to ovoid, smooth, 9–10 × 5.5–6.5 μm. It is dense, very hard and deeply cracked on the surface resembling something that has been burned. Chaga can be found all year round since it persists on the tree for many years. It has been used as a tonic and tea by the Siberians for hundreds of years. A preparation called Befungin has been used in Russia for cancer treatment since the 1960s. Chaga can be used for dyeing textiles or paper and will yield a yellow or sepia colour depending on what mordant or modifier is used.

Symptom

The fruiting body on the trunk is formed by black bumps around the wound as if it were burnt wood.

Tree Species: Birch

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Fungi

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes

Last observations

There are a total of 5 observations of the species in the system

Inonotus obliquusClinker polypore
Marian Mišuta
Number of votes: 0
Published: 30.12.2025

Inonotus obliquusClinker polypore
martin mesiarkin
Number of votes: 0
Published: 25.4.2023

Inonotus obliquusClinker polypore
Mirka
Number of votes: 0
Published: 4.2.2023

Inonotus obliquusClinker polypore
Mirka
Number of votes: 0
Published: 4.2.2023

Inonotus obliquusClinker polypore
Mirka
Number of votes: 0
Published: 4.2.2023