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Glite Dictionary
apothecium

apothecium

9.9
A small cup-shaped part of some fungi and lichens that makes and holds spores
  • noun
  • /əˈpɑːθɪsiəm/
  • Specialized
: apotecio
  • Under the microscope, the structure of the apothecium revealed its spore-producing function.

Examples

  • The apothecium of the lichen was visible as a tiny cup on the surface.

  • Scientists studied the apothecia to understand the reproductive cycle of the fungus.

  • The apothecium is essential for spore production in fungi.

  • Many lichens have a distinct apothecium shape.

  • The apothecium of the lichen was visible as a tiny cup on the surface.

  • Scientists studied the apothecia to understand the reproductive cycle of the fungus.

  • Under the microscope, the structure of the apothecium revealed its spore-producing function.

Synonyms

ascocarp
vsapothecium
  • Specialized
9.9

A part of some fungi that makes and releases spores, like a morel

is the cup shaped specific form of that fruiting body containing asci

Surface Forms

apothecium singular
apothecia plural

Etymology

Apothecium comes from the Greek apothēkion meaning 'small store' and from apothēkē meaning 'store', the same root as apothecary. So an apothecium is like a tiny cup or 'store' that holds the spore sacs, which is why it is the cup-shaped body that contains and helps release the spores.