Clistothecia

/ˌklɪs.toʊˈθi.ʃə/ noun

Definition

Closed fruiting bodies in fungi, especially ascomycetes, that contain asci with spores but don't open spontaneously.

Etymology

From Greek 'kleistos' (closed) and 'theke' (case), plural form 'clistothecia.' Technical mycological terminology.

Kelly Says

These are the ultimate mystery containers of the fungal world—fungi went through the effort of packaging spores in elaborate cases but then sealed them permanently, trusting decay or animal action to spread them.

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