Cramp Balls
Daldinia concentrica

© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio     Cramp Balls on dead oak stump photographed on Sunday February 24th 2008

This is one of the largest of the flask fungi, most of which are like the tiny coral spot fungus. It's name comes from the belief that it could cure cramp (rather than some painful medical condition). But don't try swallowing one, you're supposed to put them at the bottom of your bed. If you don't like this name, you can always use the alternative "King Alfred's Cakes". On the Rodwell Trail it can be seen just south of the Wyke Road bridge in section 3.