Námel označuje vřeckovýtrusé houby rodu Claviceps (paličkovice), které žijí v asociaci s květy lipnicovitých (Poaceae). Jsou významnými producenty alkaloidů toxických pro zvířata i pro člověka, ale také prospěšných v lékařství. Rod zahrnuje asi 60 druhů, z nichž nejznámější je Claviceps purpurea (paličkovice nachová), která byla před nedávnem rozdělena na čtyři kryptické druhy.

Použitá a doporučená literatura:
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The Ergot (Claviceps) is an ascomycetous genus comprising important producers of alkaloids which are toxic for animals and humans. In the most famous species C. purpurea, four cryptic species have recently been identified.