Ergot fungus

My camera focused on the grass itself rather than on the dark Ergot fungus growing on it, unfortunately. This macro shot still gives you an idea of what this strange fungus looks like. Photographed on 17 August 2012, when a group of us spent a great day botanizing the forest at Rod Handfield's, SW of Calgary and W of Millarville. Some of us have been to the Handfield's the last few years, so we always hope to find new things there that we can add to the long list of what exists on their land.

"Ergotism is the name for sometimes severe pathological syndromes affecting humans or other animals that have ingested plant material containing ergot alkaloid, such as ergot-contaminated grains. The Hospital Brothers of St. Anthony (monks) specialized in treating ergotism victims with balms containing tranquilizing and circulation-stimulating plant extracts. The common name for ergotism is "St. Anthony's Fire", in reference to monks who cared for victims as well as symptoms, such as severe burning sensations in the limbs. These are caused by effects of ergot alkaloids on the vascular system due to vasoconstriction of blood vessels, sometimes leading to gangrene and loss of limbs due to severely restricted blood circulation.

The neurotropic activities of the ergot alkaloids may also cause hallucinations and attendant irrational behaviour, convulsions, and even death. Other symptoms include strong uterine contractions, nausea, seizures, and unconsciousness. Since the Middle Ages, controlled doses of ergot were used to induce abortions and to stop maternal bleeding after childbirth.... Human poisoning due to the consumption of rye bread made from ergot-infected grain was common in Europe in the Middle Ages." From Wikipedia.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergot

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claviceps_purpurea