The seed-fungus of Lolium temulentum , L., the Darnel

Abstract

Darnel ( Lolium temulentum , L.) has been known since Roman times for the poisonous properties of its grain. It was not, however, until 1898 that the presence of an often considerable layer of hyphæ was discovered just exterior to the aleurone layer of the grain; to the action of this fungus-layer the poisonous properties are presumably due.