Claviceps

The genus Claviceps comprises a group of ascomycete fungi known for causing ergot disease in cereal grasses, most notably rye. These fungi infect the plant's ovaries, destroying viable grains and contaminating harvests.1

Key characteristics of Claviceps:
* Infection Process: Fungal spores are carried by wind to grass flowers, where they germinate and infect the ovaries.1
* Symptoms: Infected plants exude a sweet mucus, cease growth, and their ovaries become permeated by fungal mycelium. This develops into hard, dark, spur-like structures called sclerotia, commonly known as ergot.1
* Toxicity: Ergots contain poisonous alkaloids. Ingestion of ergot-contaminated grains can lead to ergotism in humans and livestock, causing symptoms like convulsions, hallucinations, gangrene, and even death.1
* Medicinal Uses: Despite their toxicity, ergots are the source of important drugs such as ergonovine (used in obstetrics) and ergotamine (for migraines), as well as lysergic acid, a precursor to LSD.1

While modern agricultural practices have significantly reduced ergot contamination, it remains a concern.1