Fungi

Cramp Balls Daldinia concentrica

Height up to 4cm

Width up to 10cm

In the earlier stages, the fungi are mottled black and brown. Later the colour changes to a carbonised black and appear burnt, hence their nickname King Alfred's cakes.

An unusual feature are the growth rings that may be seen when a cross section of the fungus is made. The rings represent a history of alternate good and bad growing conditions.

Shaggy Ink Cap Coprinus comatus

Height up to 25cm

Cap is shaped like a half opened umbrella. It is covered in scales. As the fungus matures the gills start to dissolve at the cap's rim. The shagginess of the dissolving cap led to its alternative name of lawyer's wig.

Spores are black, and are obvious, being present in the black inky liquid dripping from the cap. This liquid was once used to produce a black ink.

Cap in The Process of Dissolving
Photograph by Murray Thompson

Group of Fresh Shaggy Ink Cap