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Cramp Ball Fungus
Daldinia concentrica
-26.8758, 151.573
Field Notes
Description:
Also known as Tinder Fungus, Coal Fungus, Carbon Balls, and King Alfred's Cakes. Looks like it has been burnt to a crisp. Roughly the same size as an apple, and colour a dark, bluish-grey, although from a distance it looks black. One large specimen, although a couple of much smaller and decayed specimens nearby. Even though there is an indentation on top, there is no evidence of any spore hole. Apparently, when cut open, the inside reveals a series of concentric rings (hence the name), which represent seasons of growth. This species seems to like a damp environment.
Habitat:
Found on a rotting tree trunk (perhaps Toona ciliata) in moist and well-shaded area of subtropical rainforest on the Westcliff Track, Bunya Mountains National Park, southeast Queensland. Here's some park info - http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/bunya-mountains/culture.html
Notes:
Found a local mycology reference of this species recorded in the Bunya Mountains - http://qldfungi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Daldinia-concentrica… >>> Many thanks to fellow PN member Jae, for the ID of this spotting.
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