King Alfred's Cakes are a type of fungus known scientifically as Daldinia concentrica. They are commonly found on decaying wood, particularly in forests. The fungus is named after King Alfred the Great, who is said to have burned some cakes while defending his kingdom in the 9th century. These fungi are notable for their dark, round, and hard appearance, resembling small cakes. While they are not edible for humans, they can be used as a natural fire starter due to their ability to smolder for a long time when ignited.