Daldinia concentrica

The inedible fungus Daldinia concentrica is known by several common names, including King Alfred's cake, cramp balls, and coal fungus. It is a common, widespread saprotrophic sac fungus, living on dead and decaying wood. The fruit of this fungus is hemi-spherical, with a hard, friable, shiny black fruiting body 2 to 7 centimeters wide. It resembles a chunk of coal, which gives it several of its common names, including coal fungus and carbon balls. According to legend, King Alfred once hid out in a countryside homestead during war, and was put in charge of removing baking from the oven when it was done. He fell asleep and the cakes burned. Daldinia concentrica is said to resemble a cake left to this fate. The flesh of the fruit body is purple, brown, or silvery-black inside, and is arranged in concentric layers. Most sources agree that like tree rings, these layers are related to seasonal growth. The asci are cylindrical and arranged inside the flask-shaped perithecium. When each ascus becomes engorged with fluid it extends outside the perithecium and releases spores. D. concentrica contains several unique compounds, including a purple polycyclic pigment and a metabolite called concentricol, which is oxidized squalene. Many types of insects and other small animals make their home inside this species of fungus.

Description

A mushroom fungus in the Hypoxylaceae family found in temperate and tropical regions. Some references claim it is inedible, though it is sometimes used medicinally.

Traditional Uses

Some references claim it is inedible. In some places it is crushed into a powder, mixed with warm water and the filtrate drunk. This may be as medicine.

Medicinal Uses

In some places it is crushed into a powder, mixed with warm water, and the filtrate is drunk, possibly as a medicine.

Distribution

It grows in temperate and tropical places.

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, Malaysia, Nigeria, SE Asia, West Africa,

Also Known As

Ero okpirikpu

References (2)

• Okigbo, R. N. & Nwatu, C.M., 2015, Ethnostudy and Usage of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms in Some Parts of Anambra State, Nigeria. Natural Resources, 2015, 6, 79-89
• See, L. S., et al, 2008, Utilization of Macrofungi by some Indigenous Communities for Food and Medicine in Peninsular Malaysia. Sustainable Forest Management and Poverty Alleviation: Roles of Traditional Forest-related Knowledge IUFRO World Series Volume 21