Question
About 18 months ago we had to remove a very large (7' in diameter) maple tree from our front yard.  I built a mound over the stump which was cut to ground surface - and have planted an English garden there (I know it could take longer than I will live for the stump to go away!!) - Tonight while weeding I noticed what look like cat poop on the ground around some of the plants and rocks in the garden. When we removed it it was obviously a fungus of some sort - some small globs (about silver dollar size) to some very large globs (dinner plate size).  The outside was brown to black - the inside was chocolate brown and obviously spores - very dry.  Can you tell me what it is?  I am sure it probably is the result of the stump rotting but there seems to be nothing in the ground holding it in place -  It is very weird - Thanks for your help - Jan

Answer
There are a number of fungi that are called decay fungi. Their purpose is to speed the  break down decaying organic matter. This is what I believe you have. The fungi are really in the wood what you are seeing are the fruiting bodies (flower part) of the fungi. These will not spread to living plants so there is really no damger. It is best to leave them alone and let them do what "Mother Nature" put them here--speed the decay of the stump. Just call in your fungi "Flower" garden and enjoy it.