Smut fungi. More on huitlacoche from The Scientist Gardener
A series of devastating wheat smut outbreaks caused hundreds of combine fires [at the end of the nineteenth century] as the vehicles stirred up massive clouds of oily smut spores, which were ignited by the movement of the machinery.
Combine harvester fires, that is. Ah, nature at it again.
Huitlacoche (and here) is one of these smut fungi. Thanks to Matt Kinase in his well informed blog, The Scientist Gardener. Do go to his site for photos and to his link for more information.
My father, Dr. Laurence H. Purdy, a plant pathologist, worked with an award-winning team of wheat-smut researchers at Washington State University. I’m sure he would be happy to share some references with you, if you are interested.
What a lovely offer. What a lovely way to grow up. Once my book is off my chest, I may well take you up on the offer.