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King Alfred's Cakes, scientifically known as Daldinia concentrica, are ascomycete fungi known for their distinctive appearance and ecological role. These fungi are saprobic, meaning they derive nutrients from decaying organic matter, particularly dead wood. They are commonly found on ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior) and other hardwoods. The fungus plays a role in wood decomposition, contributing to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The fruiting body is typically spherical or hemispherical, resembling a small cake or bun. It is hard and brittle when dry, with a black, carbonaceous surface. The surface may be smooth or slightly roughened.
- Gills
- N/A (Pores present)
- Stem
- Absent. Daldinia concentrica is a stemless fungus.
- Flesh
- The internal flesh of Daldinia concentrica exhibits concentric zones or rings, which are visible when the fruiting body is cut in half. These zones are typically black or dark brown in color.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is a hard, black, spherical or hemispherical structure that grows on dead wood. It is typically 2-7 cm in diameter and may be solitary or clustered.
- Habitat
- Daldinia concentrica grows on dead or decaying wood, particularly ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior) and other hardwoods. It is commonly found in woodlands, forests, and areas with abundant deadwood.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth or slightly roughened
- Growth Form: Sessile, spherical or hemispherical
- Spore Print: Black
- Body color: Black
- Odor: Not distinctive
- Flesh bruises: Not applicable
- Height: Variable, typically 2-7 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-7 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Safe
SafeDaldinia concentrica is not considered toxic, but it is not typically consumed due to its hard texture and lack of culinary value.
Quick Check
- Odor: Not distinctive
- Fruiting: Hard, black, spherical or hemispherical structure on dead wood
- Substrate: Dead or decaying wood, especially ash trees
Where to Find
Temperate regions of Europe and North America
Daldinia concentrica is commonly found in temperate regions of Europe and North America. They typically grow on dead or decaying wood, especially ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior) and other hardwoods. Look for them in woodlands, forests, and areas with abundant deadwood.
Finding Tips
Look for hard, black structures on dead wood
Search for Daldinia concentrica on dead or decaying wood, particularly ash trees. They often appear as hard, black, spherical or hemispherical structures on the surface of the wood. Check areas with abundant deadwood in woodlands and forests.
Similar Species
Hypoxylon fragiforme
Fungi
Also known as: Cramp Balls
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Ascomycota
- Class
- Sordariomycetes
- Order
- Xylariales
- Family
- Xylariaceae
- Genus
- Daldinia
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A (Not typically stored)
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: N/A (Not typically stored)
- Refrigeration: N/A
How to Clean
Daldinia concentrica is not typically consumed, so cleaning is not applicable.
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