Numerous shelf fungi protrude from this Eighty Acres birch tree. Shelf fungi attacked the interior hardwood of this tree, causing the core to rot and die. As I examined the shelf fungi, I found them to be very hard and woody, and displayed their age with fifteen years of growth rings. Artists have used shelf fungi to create fine etchings or jewelry and some say it can be ground into a powder and used in tea. But I'll pass. It isn't my "cup of tea"!