The brackets produced by this fungus remain on the tree throughout the year. They increase in size and stop growing once mature. Spores are released through small openings on its surface.

The fruiting bodies are black, normally about 40-70mm in diameter and have a hard charcoal like consistency which will crumble under pressure. A cross section of a bracket reveals a series of concentric rings (hence its name 'concentrica' - see photo below).

The fungus acquired its common name of 'King Alfreds Cakes' due to, apparently, their resemblance to the cakes which the king burned!

This fungus is very common and widespread in Britain. It is frequently seen growing on dead branches or areas of dead wood, mainly on Ash and is a good indicator of an area of dead wood.

The top picture shows the bodies growing on an area of dead Ash stem at a height of just 1-2 meters.

(Terry Marsh)