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basidiocarp
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basidiocarp
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Also called:
basidioma
Related Topics:
basidium
sporophore
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basidiocarp
basidiocarp Basidiocarp of Ramaria rugosa.

basidiocarp

sporophore
Also known as: basidioma
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History

basidiocarp, in fungi, a large sporophore, or fruiting body, in which sexually produced spores are formed on the surface of club-shaped structures (basidia). Basidiocarps are found among the members of the phylum Basidiomycota (q.v.), with the exception of the rust and smut fungi. The largest basidiocarps include giant puffballs (Calvatia gigantea), which can be 1.6 m (5.25 feet) long, 1.35 m broad, and 24 cm (9.5 inches) high, and those of bracket fungi (Polyporus squamosus)—2 m in diameter. The smallest are single cells of the yeastlike Sporobolomyces.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.