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Glite Dictionary
peridium

peridium

9.9
An outer cover around the part of a fungus that holds spores
  • noun
  • /pəˈrɪdiəm/
  • Specialized
: peridio
  • The peridium protects the developing spores until they are ready for release.

Examples

  • When the peridium breaks open, spores are dispersed into the environment.

  • Some puffballs have a tough peridium that splits at maturity.

  • The peridium protects the spores from environmental damage.

  • Some fungi have a thick peridium that helps in spore dispersal.

  • The peridium surrounds the spores and helps them to survive until they are ready to germinate.

  • When the peridium is disturbed, it reveals the spores inside that are waiting to be released.

  • The structure of the peridium varies among different fungal species, influencing how their spores are dispersed.

Surface Forms

peridium singular
peridia plural

Etymology

The word peridium comes from Greek parts peri- meaning 'around' and -idion meaning 'small'. So a peridium is like a small cover 'around' something, which fits because it is the outer layer that surrounds and protects a fungus's spores.