In lichens and fungi, the upper or outer surface of a fruiting structure (apothecium), or a layer of tissue in the hymenium.
From Latin epithecium, from Greek epi- (upon) + theke (cup). The term literally refers to the top layer of the cup-shaped reproductive structure.
Lichen epitheciums are like the 'face' of the fruiting body—all the reproductive action happens just below this layer, so scientists pay close attention to the epithecium's color and texture to identify lichen species.
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