Cystidia

/sɪˈstɪdiə/ noun

Definition

Plural of cystidium; specialized sterile cells found in fungal fruiting structures that are often club-shaped or varied in form.

Etymology

Plural of cystidium, from Greek 'kystis' (cyst) + Latin diminutive '-idium'. This Latin plural describes multiple cyst-like cells in fungi.

Kelly Says

A mushroom is essentially a 'fruit factory,' and cystidia are like the factory workers—some make spores, others (cystidia) do support jobs! Their shapes help mycologists identify mushroom species.

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