ergot
Any of a group of parasitic fungi (especially of the genus Claviceps), whose brown or black grainlike masses replace the kernels of rye or other cereals. C. purpurea attacks the rye plant. Ergot poisoning is caused by eating infected bread, resulting in burning pains, gangrene, and convulsions.
The large grains of the fungus contain the poison ergotamine.
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