The Clavicipitaceae are a familyoffungi within the order Hypocreales. A 2008 estimate placed 43 genera in the family,[1] but a study in 2020 has increased this number to 50.[2]
| Clavicipitaceae | |
|---|---|
| |
| Claviceps purpurea | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Sordariomycetes |
| Order: | Hypocreales |
| Family: | Clavicipitaceae (Lindau) Earle (1901) |
| Type genus | |
| Claviceps Tul. (1853) | |
| Genera | |
|
See text | |
Molecular phylogenetic analysis of multigene DNA sequence data indicates the taxon Clavicipitaceae is paraphyletic, and consists of three well-defined clades, at least one of which is shared with members of another fungal family (Hypocreaceae).[3] The evolution within the Clavicipitaceae is marked by interkingdom host jumping, and the range of this large and heterogeneous fungal group spans mutualistic plant symbionts, as well as parasites of plants, insects, and other fungi.[4]
Many of its members produce alkaloids toxic to animals and humans. One of its most infamous species is Claviceps purpurea, which has historical significance as the cause of St. Anthony's fire, also known as ergotism. Ergotism is caused by ergot alkaloids, such as ergotamine and ergocristine, which are chemical derivatives of lysergic acid. Metarhizium species are widely used in the biological control of insect pests.[5]
Several genera, especially those previously described as "anamorphic" (having no known sexual cycle) are now re-classified into other families, in light of current molecular and other evidence. Mycobank currently (July 2018) lists the following genera in this family.[6] With additions (including no. of species) from Wijayawardene et al. 2020.[2]
Media related to Clavicipitaceae at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Clavicipitaceae at Wikispecies