Learn about this topic in these articles:

structure of fungi

In fungus: Size range
…is the fruiting body, or sporophore. Sporophores vary greatly in size, shape, colour, and longevity. Some are microscopic and completely invisible to the unaided eye; others are no larger than a pin head; still others are gigantic structures. Among the largest sporophores are those of mushrooms, bracket fungi, and puffballs.…
Read More
In fungus: Sporophores and spores
When the mycelium of a fungus reaches a certain stage of growth, it begins to produce spores either directly on the somatic hyphae or, more often, on special sporiferous (spore-producing) hyphae, which may be loosely arranged or grouped into intricate structures called…
Read More

ascocarp

Table of Contents

Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

ascocarp

fruiting structure of fungi

Also known as: apothecium, ascoma, ascomata

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Also called:: ascoma, plural ascomata

Related Topics:: ascus; sporophore

See all related content

ascocarp, fruiting structure of fungi of the phylum Ascomycota (kingdom Fungi). It arises from vegetative filaments (hyphae) after sexual reproduction has been initiated. The ascocarp (in forms called apothecium, cleistothecium [cleistocarp], or perithecium) contain saclike structures (asci) that usually bear four to eight ascospores. Apothecia are stalked and either disklike, saucer-shaped, or cup-shaped with exposed asci. The largest known apothecium, produced by Geopyxis cacabus, has a stalk 1 metre (40 inches) high and a cup 50 centimetres (20 inches) across. Cleistothecia are spherical and must rupture or disintegrate to release their ascospores. Perithecia are globular or flask-shaped with an apical opening for discharge of ascospores.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.

sporophore

Learn about this topic in these articles:

structure of fungi

ascocarp