How to identify King Alfred's Cakes

To correctly identify King Alfred's Cakes (Daldinia concentrica), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   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.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   N/A (Pores present)

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent. Daldinia concentrica is a stemless fungus.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   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.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   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.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A (Pores present)
• Stem shape: N/A (Stemless)
• Stem surface: N/A (Stemless)
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: N/A (Stemless)

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