King Alfred's Cakes?

[2dogs2000]

I said in a previous post that I would give up on fungi, but now I am forced to ask for more help as the children I work with are finding all sorts and asking me what they are. Apart from saying fungi I would if possible like to give them a bit more info. (Don't worry they have been told to leave them alone and never try them).

Photos are of my usual standard

I believe the 1st is commonly known as King Alfred's cakes.


The 2nd was a very jelly like blob.


3rd + 4th The children were amazed at how fast this had grown as there was no sign of it the week before. Growing on pine logs.

5th + 6th were quite small and I believe growing on a Silver Birch(might be wrong though).


Any help would be appreciated.

[pammosley]

Hi, I don`t know much about fungi, but the first are King Alfred Cakes. These are great at catching sparks from a flint to start a fire. Great fun to do with the kids, with adult supervision of course, the embers get really hot be carefull

[2dogs2000]

Originally Posted by pammosley

Hi, I don`t know much about fungi, but the first are King Alfred Cakes. These are great at catching sparks from a flint to start a fire. Great fun to do with the kids, with adult supervision of course, the embers get really hot be carefull

I knew they were great for tinder and we are planning on a fire (permission and risk assessment will be done) in a few weeks so hopefully we will be using this. When is the best time to collect it?

[thelawnet]

Originally Posted by 2dogs2000

The 2nd was a very jelly like blob.

Purple jellydisc Ascocoryne sarcoides

3rd + 4th The children were amazed at how fast this had grown as there was no sign of it the week before. Growing on pine logs.

Honey fungus, armillaria mellea

5th + 6th were quite small and I believe growing on a Silver Birch(might be wrong though).

These are rather old, not sure what they are, best to break a bit off for better photography

[2dogs2000]

Originally Posted by thelawnet

Purple jellydisc Ascocoryne sarcoides



Honey fungus, armillaria mellea



These are rather old, not sure what they are, best to break a bit off for better photography

Thank you for the I.D.s .I will be back on the site this week so I will try and get a better photo And I will also break some off as you suggest.

[pammosley]

Originally Posted by 2dogs2000

When is the best time to collect it?

Not sure Perhaps pick a few now & keep them in the dry for a few days in open air, not a plastic container or they will sweat & go mouldy. Hopefully someone will be of more use to you
Have fun

[pajr777]

Could 5th & 6th be Birch Polypore, Piptoporus betulinus, with algae causing the green discolouration?

[flaxton]

The fruitbodies are too thin for P betulinus.

Mal