The fruiting bodies of this fungus are initially brown and dense but they soon turn black, dry out and become less dense. There is no stem. The fruiting body is attached to the host wood by a broad flat area underneath the cushion-shaped fruiting body. This fungus is usually about 1-3 inches across, but several may merge to form a much larger outgrowth. Inside the fruiting body are concentric silver-gray and black layers or rings. Its flesh is dark purplish-brown, and carbon-like.
It is found more in the upland woods on fallen deciduous logs, especially ash. Fairly common all year around, but often overlooked when looking for more typical and colorful fungi.
When sliced in half its concentric rings are seen. It is also known as Cramp balls, Crab Cakes, and as King Alfred’s Cakes in Great Britain.
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