ascocarpArticle Free Pass ascocarp, also called ascoma, plural
ascomata, fruiting structure of fungi of the phylum Ascomycota
(kingdom Fungi). It arises from vegetative filaments (hyphae)
after sexual reproduction has been initiated. The ascocarp (in
forms called apothecium, cleistothecium [cleistocarp], or
perithecium) contain saclike structures (asci) that usually bear
four to eight ascospores. Apothecia are stalked and either
disklike, saucer-shaped, or cup-shaped with exposed asci. The
largest known apothecium, produced by Geopyxis cacabus, has a
stalk 1 metre (40 inches) high and a cup 50 centimetres (20
inches) across. Cleistothecia are spherical and must rupture or
disintegrate to release their ascospores. Perithecia are
globular or flask-shaped with an apical opening for discharge of
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