1. In lichens, the exposed fruiting bodies or spore-producing structures that form a dark, powdery or granular mass on the surface of the lichen thallus.
Usage: botanical; mycology; plural: mazaedia or mazaedium

Examples

• The lichenologist examined the mazaedia under the microscope to identify the species.
• Mazaedia appear as dark, dusty patches on the surface of certain lichen types.
• The formation of mazaedia is a key reproductive strategy for some lichen species.
• Under magnification, the mazaedia revealed countless spores ready for dispersal.