carpophores

A carpophore is a botanical term referring to the fruiting body of certain plants, most commonly associated with fungi. In fungi, the carpophore is the macroscopic structure that produces and bears spores. It is often what people commonly refer to as a mushroom. The carpophore develops from the mycelium, which is the vegetative part of the fungus, usually a network of hyphae growing underground or within a substrate. The shape, size, color, and texture of carpophores vary widely among different fungal species, serving as key identification features for mycologists. Familiar examples include the familiar cap-and-stem structures of many edible and poisonous mushrooms.

While the term carpophore is most frequently used in mycology, it can also be applied in a broader sense to other organisms that produce similar fruiting structures. However, its primary association remains with fungi. The formation of a carpophore is a reproductive process for the fungus, enabling the dispersal of spores to propagate the species. Once mature, the spores are released from specialized structures within the carpophore, such as gills, pores, or teeth, and are carried away by wind, water, or animals. The ephemeral nature of carpophores means they often appear and disappear relatively quickly after their development.