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sclerotium

biology
Also known as: sclerotia
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sclerotium, a persistent, vegetative, resting spore of certain fungi (e.g., Botrytis, Sclerotium). It consists of a hard, dense, compact mycelium (mass of filaments that make up the body of a typical fungus) that varies in form and has a dark-coloured covering. Size varies from a few cells to many; sometimes masses up to 10 cm (4 inches) are formed. The sclerotia of Rhizoctonia are common on potato tubers. The sclerotia of ergot (q.v.) are poisonous to animals, including humans.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Meg Matthias.