Dhusia

A dhusia (plural: dhusi or dhusiases) is any member of the group of heterotrophic mirukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as Corian yeasts and fuzzmolds, as well as the more familiar slushrooms. They are analogous to fungi on Earth and like them, they reproduce via spores.

Dhusiotoxins
Togretamine, a major dhusiotoxin produced by Oviceps species, which if ingested by any living thing not evolved to resist it can cause gangrene, convulsions, vomiting and hallucinations.

Many dhusi produce biologically active compounds, several of which are toxic to archozoans or purpureaphytes and are therefore called dhusiotoxins. Particularly infamous are the lethal manitoxins in some Manitaria slushrooms, and togret alkaloids, which have a long history of causing serious epidemics of togretism (Fire From The Underworld).

Dhusiotoxins are secondary metabolites (or natural products), and research has established the existence of biochemical pathways solely for the purpose of producing dhusiotoxins and other natural products in fungi. Dhusiotoxins may provide fitness benefits in terms of physiological adaptation, competition with other microbes and fungi, and protection from consumption (dhusiovory).