Cramp Balls

[delbach]

These are growing on the Ash in the garden,i'mgoing to leave them alone this year to see how big they get

Andrew

 

[Jaymzflood]

I dont know much about trees so excuse me when I ask, lol Whats in them?

 

[delbach]

They are a fungus,that when dried can be used as a form of tinder.Hope that helps
Andrew

 

[Jaymzflood]

Ah, usefull bit if fungi then.

 

[delbach]

Ah, usefull bit if fungi then.

And only about 10 paces from my house
Andrew

 

[tim_n]

When pulled off the tree and dried it should be said they're tinder. They look like they've already been burnt and when set on fire, they glow and look like a wood coal.

They can take a spark from a flint and steel, can be used as an ember extender or to carry an ember on a journey.

 

[Jaymzflood]

can be used as an ember extender or to carry an ember on a journey.

I seen that on Bear Grylls, its this kind of stuff he used was it?

 

[treadlightly]

What a good supply and on your doorstep too!! Is the ash tree alive and well as normally they grow on dead ash wood.

 

[delbach]

What a good supply and on your doorstep too!! Is the ash tree alive and well as normally they grow on dead ash wood.

The ash is alive, except for the branch with the cramp balls.If you look to the bottom right there is still a stain left from one of last years.
Andrew

 

[Elder]

I see these cramp balls in my local fields on live and dead ash. If I pick them too young they don't make a good tinder even if well dried.

 

[AussieVic]

We have these in Australia too, at least in parts of Victoria: Daldinia concentrica
As well as being excellent for fire lighting, they are said to be able to produce a pruple dye !

Keep an eye on your tree and beware of any insects who may attack and eat them !