carpophore

A carpophore is the fruiting body of a fungus, commonly referred to as a mushroom. It is the spore-producing organ that is visible above ground. The carpophore develops from the mycelium, which is the underground network of fungal threads. The primary function of the carpophore is to produce and disperse spores, which are the reproductive units of the fungus.

The structure of a carpophore can vary significantly depending on the species. Many familiar mushrooms have a cap, or pileus, supported by a stalk, or stipe. The cap is often where the gills, pores, or teeth are located, which are specialized structures for spore production. Some fungi produce carpophores that are not cap-and-stalk shaped, such as puffballs, morels, or bracket fungi.

The development of a carpophore is a complex process that is influenced by environmental factors like moisture, temperature, and nutrient availability. When conditions are favorable, the hyphae of the mycelium aggregate and differentiate to form the various parts of the fruiting body. After the spores have matured and been dispersed, the carpophore typically decays. The study of carpophores is a significant aspect of mycology, the branch of biology concerned with fungi.