Daldinia concentrica

(Bolton) Ces. & De Not.

A large fruiting body on a fallen ash stem in Hockley Woods, Essex.
Numerous fruiting bodies on an ash stem in Gusted Hall Wood, Essex
Fruiting body in a maturing phase on ash in Hockley Woods, Essex
Numerous fruiting bodies on fallen beech that may be a different species in Langdon Hills, Essex
This fungus on the upper surface with old Inonotus hispidus beneath on ash in Basildon, Essex

A large fruiting body on a fallen ash stem in Hockley Woods, Essex.
Numerous fruiting bodies on an ash stem in Gusted Hall Wood, Essex
Fruiting body in a maturing phase on ash in Hockley Woods, Essex
Numerous fruiting bodies on fallen beech that may be a different species in Langdon Hills, Essex
This fungus on the upper surface with old Inonotus hispidus beneath on ash in Basildon, Essex
Aberrant fruit bodies on the end of a fallen beech stem in Laindon, UK.
A characteristic mature fruit body.
A worn senescent fruit body on a fallen chestnut stem in London, UK.
Hidden amongst bramble and ivy on ash in Laindon, UK.
Abundant fruit bodies on a dead ash in London, UK.

Common name

Cramp balls, King Alfred’s cakes.

Often found on

Ash.

Sometimes found on

Beech, birch, cherry, horse chestnut, sycamore (likely separate species).

Location

Found across the entire structure of the tree – generally more abundant on fallen trees and dead tree parts.

Description

Perennial . Very tough. Usually abundant. A perpetual charcoal black mass following emergence as a brownish mass – sometimes clad with greys. Mature fruit bodies are dark black and crumble more readily. Black spore. Cross-sections reveal concentric black-white rings.

Confused with

Inonotus hispidus (in senescent form); Kretzschmaria deusta (teleomorphic stage – much smaller).

Significance

Attributed to a white rot of the wood. Considered weakly parasitic though generally saprobic. Presence indicates physiological dysfunction.