noun
- A spore produced by a basidium in basidiomycete fungi, typically formed on the surface of the basidium and dispersed by wind or water.
Usage: biology; mycology
Examples
- Mushrooms release basidiospores from the gills on their undersides.
- The basidiospore is the primary reproductive unit of many fungi, including common edible mushrooms.
- Under a microscope, basidiospores appear as small, often oval or round structures.
- Wind carries basidiospores over long distances, allowing fungi to colonize new areas.
- Rust fungi produce basidiospores that infect plant hosts during the growing season.