Fungus or Gall ??

dmclean2 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 07:17 PM

Hi Folks,
I took these photos about a week ago, down at Kersney Abbey, they were growing on a dead tree, it's decidious woods around there, diameter is about 3cm, hard and shiny but easy to break open , I don't know if they are fungi or a gall, iv'e a gut feeling they are fungi, can anyone help ?
Cheers.....Duncan

Leif · #2 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 07:26 PM

King Alfred's Balls, Daldinia concentrica, found on wood from Ash trees.

Wild-Woman · #3 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 07:30 PM

Poor Alfred.

Sorry

fairplay · #4 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 08:20 PM

Now stop that, stop that !!

I think most people call them King Alfred cakes or Cramp Balls.

They are the things Ray Meares used on tele to start fires with (they smoulder for a long time)

Neil.

Leif · #5 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairplay

I think most people call them King Alfred cakes or Cramp Balls.

Well yes, maybe ... much less fun though. Coal fungus is another name.

fairplay · #6 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 11:24 PM

Did he, you know.......... really have 3 then ?

Neil.

NickCantle · #7 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 11:35 PM

LOL Neil, you naughty boy

I've been finding these so much lately, what with the hunt for Morels taking place in immediate proximity to Ash

nutmeg · #8 (**permalink**) 04-05-2008, 07:56 AM

Look out for Scarce fungus weevil (Platyrhinus resinosus) on these. Where I am, the adults are about at the moment.

fairplay · #9 (**permalink**) 04-05-2008, 09:56 AM

Thanks for that little snippet Nutmeg, and just for that I'm going to put you on the spot i.e. Do you know the Eastern Counties range of this weevil ?

Neil.

PS. Nick, you seem to enjoy your um....'digging' so much

that I guess you must come across huge, megamounts of these buried potato like things, called Tuber something or other.

dmclean2 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 07:33 PM

Thanks for all your help guys ,
I had a good laugh at your comments
Cheers.....Duncan

NickCantle · #11 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairplay

Thanks for that little snippet Nutmeg, and just for that I'm going to put you on the spot i.e. Do you know the Eastern Counties range of this weevil ?

Neil.

PS. Nick, you seem to enjoy your um....'digging' so much

that I guess you must come across huge, megamounts of these buried potato like things, called Tuber something or other.

Well, I know of one Truffle patch in Hampshire, and no one better ask

I've not found them in Norfolk/Suffolk, But I've had a Norfolk tuber tip off to have a look at this summer