Fomes excavatus (Berk.) Cooke (previously Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr.)
Gray, brown to black fruiting bodies shaped like horse's hoof. Common parasite that become saprobic after tree death. Used as tinder for starting fires as well as material for clothing items, like hats. Otzi the 5,000 year old Iceman was discovered carrying four pieces of it.
Fomes excavatus is in the Polyporaceae family of the Polyporales order.
Fomes excavatus