Dictionary.net

fungi parasitic upon the ovaries of various grasses

fungi parasitic upon the ovaries of various grasses

A genus of ascomycetous fungi, family Clavicipitaceae, order Hypocreales, parasitic on various grasses (POACEAE). The sclerotia contain several toxic alkaloids. Claviceps purpurea on rye causes ergotism.

A genus of fungi producing smut in cereals.

[Latin] A genus of Fungi. C. purpurea, found in the grain of various cereals, produces spores which secrete a saccharine substance and give rise to a mycelium which is transformed into a horny mass (sclerotium) that replaces the grain and constitutes ergot. See Ergot.

A parasitic fungus infesting various plants.