Sporangiolum

Sporangiolum is a term used in botany to describe a small, flask-shaped structure that contains spores. It is typically found in the reproductive structures of certain plants, particularly in the ferns and lycophytes. The sporangiolum is usually borne on a sporangiophore, a stalk-like structure that supports the sporangiolum. The sporangiolum itself is a hollow, sac-like structure with a narrow neck and a broader base. The spores are produced within the sporangiolum and are released through the neck when mature. The sporangiolum plays a crucial role in the reproduction of these plants, as it is responsible for the production and dispersal of spores. The structure and function of the sporangiolum can vary among different species, but it is a characteristic feature of many ferns and lycophytes.