Claviceps (Noun)
Meaning
Fungi parasitic upon the ovaries of various grasses.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- Claviceps purpurea is a fungus known to infect the ovaries of rye and other grains, producing ergot alkaloids.
- Claviceps species typically infect and replace the ovaries of various grasses with fungal tissue.
- Claviceps grows symbiotically within the ovaries of some grasses before eventually killing them.
- The sclerotia of a mature claviceps can resemble a small, hardened and elongated kernel embedded in the grass flower.
- Claviceps contains psychoactive compounds that affect those who consume infected grains or derived products.