Podetium (Noun)
Meaning
An organ or body resembling a stalk; especially the outgrowth of the thallus of certain lichens on which the ascocarp is borne.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The podetium of the lichen species Cladonia rangiferina was observed to be quite long and slender.
- In some lichens, the podetium can be quite short and stout, while in others it can be long and thin.
- The podetium of the lichen is the structure upon which the spore-producing ascocarp is borne.
- Scientists studying lichens have noted that the podetium can vary greatly in shape and size across different species.
- The lichen's podetium was seen to be covered in tiny scales, which were actually tiny leaves called phyllidia.