King Alfred's cakes (Daldinia concentrica)

Photo taken 31 October 2007, by Maria Fremlin.

Daldinia concentrica on oak Quercus robur. Photo by Maria Fremlin, 31 October 2007.

These fungi were found on the oak logs used in the construction of this lollipop. One of their common names is King Alfred's cakes, relating to a famous legend. It goes like this:
Back in January 878, King Alfred, when fleeing from a battle, took refuge in an old woman's cottage who left him to watch some cakes cooking in the oven. However the battle wearied king soon fell asleep and let the cakes burn. When the woman came back she scolded him soundly for being lazy.

LINKS:
King Alfred the Great
Daldinia concentrica ,the coal fungus, carbon balls, cramp balls, or King Alfred's cakes
Wood decay and wood-rotting fungi
Introduction to wood decay

First uploaded on December 3 2007.
Last modified: Mon Dec 3 10:19:53 GMT 2007