Claviceps purpurea
(Fr.) Tul
Ergot
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Summary
Source: WikipediaClaviceps purpurea is an ergot fungus that grows on the ears of rye and related cereal and forage plants. Consumption of grains or seeds contaminated with the survival structure of this fungus, the ergot sclerotium, can cause ergotism in humans and other mammals. C. purpurea most commonly affects outcrossing species such as rye (its most common host), as well as triticale, wheat and barley. It affects oats only rarely.
Description
A parasitic fungus that grows on rye and cereals, belonging to the family Clavicipitaceae.
This description is brief — help expand it
Traditional Uses
This poisonous fungus yields alkaloids only to be used by medical practitioners.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Known Hazards
ergotism
Where It Grows
Asia, India, Worldwide,
Notes
It is used in medicine.
References (3)
- Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 131
- Bremness, L., 1994, Herbs. Collins Eyewitness Handbooks. Harper Collins. p 287
- Brown, D., 2002, The Royal Horticultural Society encyclopedia of Herbs and their uses. DK Books. p 173
