One look and it’s easy to see why Fomes fomentarius is called horse hoof. It’s shape is very reminiscent of a horses hoof. The name tinder conk however comes from it functioning well as tinder, It is purported to have been used to carry smoldering tinder as well. The tightly packed and woven hyphea just behind the pore surface when dry will burn slowly and is protected by the hard outer shell making it good for carrying from one camp to another. That same tightly woven hyphea has also been used as a textile, making a material called Amadou by pulling and hammering it into small sheets and then fashioning it into small accessories like purses and hats.
