Here’s a funny one! In between showers, I popped out with my camera and found, on an old sycamore log on the ramp, this fungus that literally looks like sheep’s poo. However, it’s quite interesting because although it isn’t edible, it is hard and coal-like – hence the name – and can be harvested to use as charcoal briquettes on the barbecue apparently!
They can grow up to 10cm across and live for years. In fact, if you cut one open, it is possible to see growth rings, as on a tree. They are paler and matt when young and become black and shiny and burnt-looking as they age. They eject spores through tiny holes in the crust, which leaves black marks on the surrounding area. The outer shell cracks and can be easily damaged, giving a more textured appearance.
The caterpillar of the concealer moth is known to eat them, but mostly they provide homes for insects and small animals. They are also known as Coal Fungus, Tinder Bracket and Cramp Balls, the latter because people would carry them to protect them from cramp.