ABSTRACT
The evolution and to some extent the taxonomy of the parasitic fungi belonging to the genus Claviceps are linked to the evolution of their host plants (grasses, rushes, and sedges). Although the recent Internet version of the Index of Fungi (https://nt.ars_grin.gov/indxfun/frmlndF.htm) lists 38 recorded species of Claviceps, at least 7 species are missing and C. oryzae-sativae and C. virens were removed from Claviceps, so that there are 43 known species.
