Fire Starter: The Tinder Polypore

Shivering, he tried again to light his fire. Drying out and getting warm were the only things on his mind, but the shaking in his hands didn’t make lighting the match very easy, and the wind kept blowing it out before he could get it to the fire.

Just when he was about to give up, he remembered he had something new in his fire kit. Starting a fire with a mushroom had sounded weird at first, but his friend was so enthusiastic about the find he couldn’t refuse as the dried out fungus had been pushed into his hands.

The next time, instead of trying to light the stacked wood, he held the match close to the mushroom. At first, it didn’t seem like it had worked and he was starting to feel foolish, but soon the smell of roasting mushroom hit his nose. After another minute tiny smoke tendrils wafted up from the pores and he could feel heat in his hands.

Dry leaves crackled as the smoldering mushroom was pressed against them. Unlike the matches, the wind did nothing to hinder the ember inside the Tinder Polypore. Flames took hold of the leaves, and with some encouragement, spread through the other tinder and into the wood. Finally, he basked in the warmth of his fire.

Although its common name describes its fire starting capabilities, the Tinder Polypore; also known as Horse Hoof Fungus or Fomes Fomentarius, actually has several uses. Otzi the Iceman carried chunks of it with him, stored with his fire starting tools, indicating that simplifying fire starting was likely his purpose.

It’s also possible that he carried it for its medicinal properties, as Tinder Polypore has long been known for having antibiotic and antiviral properties.

A soft, fibrous layer, which sits between the hard outer shell and the porous section, is useful for impromptu bandages when out and about. It seals well and helps stop bleeding. When processed correctly, this layer becomes a leather-like material called Amadou. Hats made from Amadou are a popular use for it.

Parasitic in nature, signs of this Polypore means the hardwood tree it’s growing on is damaged and possibly dying. Fresh damage is not conducive for the mycelium grown, and once it does take hold, years will pass before fruiting begins. Due to the slow growth and high popularity, Tinder Polypores are becoming increasingly rare. As such, it is wise to consider leaving some behind to propagate if you come across it in the wild.

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