Tinder Fungus

[zelph]

Can anyone identify these fungus as a good tinder for making fire? They are located in Northern Illinois.

[zelph]

I never have found the true tinder fungus that grows on birch trees. Don't have that many birch here in IL.

I'll see if I can find a photo of a friend of mine having a very large fungus glowing red hot with a pot centered on it.

[zelph]

A brief look and could not find him....but I found this:

Used to be the avatar of oops56

[zelph]

I agree, that would have been appropriate. Oops56 loves to tinker in fire related stuff. He's a pioneer of stove making. Hats off to Oop56

[Ridgerunner]

the fungus looks like "lenzites betulina"....can't say for sure but if so, it is a non edible fungi

[zelph]

They get to be hard as a rock!! I think they are known as "artist conk" When they are fresh the surface is soft and can be scribed with a finger nail or twig. When dry the message or drawing remains dark in color.