Pycnidium
pycnidium (noun, pl. pycnidia) – neutral term for a minute globose to flask-shaped (pear-shaped) structure, resembling a perithecium and usually immersed in the medulla; opening to the surface by a tiny (often visible only under a dissecting microscope), often darkened, pore; containing a cavity lined with specialized hyphal structures (fulcra) producing pycnospores (small spores of unknown function, which might function either as spermatia or conidia); sometimes branched or chambered. Referred to as a spermogonium when the spores are believed to function as spermatia.
This page is part of the LIAS Glossary. It is closely interlinked with the other LIAS projects: LIAS • LIAS light • LIAS names • LIAS gtm. See also Cooperating Websites
Many pages in the LIAS Glossary is in need of further revisions. Please contribute. Criticism as well as collaboration is welcome!
