Home > King Alfred's cake

King Alfred's cake

Daldinia concentrica

A species of Daldinia, Also known as Carbon ball

The appearance of king Alfred's cake (Daldinia concentrica) does not seem to follow from its common name. This mushroom is not very tasty or cake-like. In fact, it became known in English as "King Alfred's Cake" due to its resemblance to the British king's famous products during his failed attempts at learning to bake. These mushrooms can be used as like charcoal, burning slowly and steadily, although they are stinky while on fire.

Odor:

Mild, indistinct fungal aroma.

General Info About King Alfred's cake

Instantly identify mushrooms with a snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques, etc.

Download the App for Free

Attributes of King Alfred's cake

Height

2 - 6 cm

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Dark brown to black if cut

Ring

Concentric; paler

Spore Print Color

Black

Odor

Mild, indistinct fungal aroma.

Body Color

Brown

Black

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Dead Woods

You can find King Alfred's cake by these plants:

Ashes, European ash

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Common, widespread

Endangered Species

How to Identify King Alfred's cake

Fruiting Body Flesh Habit & Habitat

AI mushroom expert in your pocket

Habitat of King Alfred's cake

The king Alfred's cake grows in deciduous woodlands and is primarily associated with ashes and beech. The species occurs on dead or dying deciduous wood, fallen logs, and decaying branches.

Distribution Area of King Alfred's cake

Europe

Scientific Classification of King Alfred's cake

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Similar Species to King Alfred's cake

Unlocking the Secrets of Identifying Many Types of Mushroom

Master the Art of Distinguishing Mushroom Varieties with Expert Tips.

Download the App for Free

Tips for Finding King Alfred's cake

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mushrooms

Explore the Ins and Outs of Mushroom Hunting: Timing, Optimal Soil Conditions, and More Tips!

Download the App for Free

What are Some Tips for Finding King Alfred's cake

Look for king Alfred's cake on hardwood trees, especially where ash trees are present.
Search near wood that appears old, decayed, or has been recently cut or fallen.
Check for king Alfred's cake in areas where trees are clustered, as they may share common diseases.
Inspect the bark and exposed wood of hardwoods, as king Alfred's cake can be more visible there.