What kind of a fungus is ergot?

Answer 1

Ergot is actually a specific genus of fungi called Claviceps. The most prominent member of genus Claviceps is Claviceps purpurea. Ergot grows on rye and related plants and produces a powerful hallucinogenic toxin called ergotamine, a precursor to LSD.

Answer 2

Ergotism Disease is caused by a fungal toxin which contains alkaloids (Ergot) and grows in rye grain. When these toxins are consumed by eating ergot-infected grain, a person can develop Ergotism disease which is they get by eating bread products and cereals, made with spoiled rye. The first reported infection of the disease was in 1853, but it has been around hints of its existence over the centuries.

Children and the elderly are the most susceptible to this disease, but anyone can acquire this disease. There are two principal varieties of this disease gangrenous and convulsive. In Convulsive Ergotism the infected person may experience some or all of the following, seizures, convulsions, gastrointestinal symptoms, diarrhea, paresthesia/burning/itching/prickling/tingling, and hallucinations. In Gangrenous Ergotism the infected person may lose some or parts of their extremities, such as fingers and/or toes, ear or ear lobes, even their arms and legs.

Answer 3

In the fungus world, ergot, or ergot fungi, is officially known as the genus Claviceps. This type of fungus generally grows on rye and similar plants, and can cause ergotism to animals due to a production of alkaloids.