ostiolate

Ostiolate is an adjective used in biology, particularly in mycology and botany, to describe structures that possess ostioles. An ostiole is a small opening or pore. In fungi, ostioles are typically found at the apex of ascocarps or pycnidia and serve as the exit point for spores. This opening allows for the dispersal of reproductive units, facilitating the propagation of the fungal species. The presence and morphology of ostioles can be important diagnostic features for identifying different fungal taxa.

In botany, the term ostiolate can also refer to specific structures in plants. For example, certain fruits or seed structures might have ostioles. In the context of figs, the opening at the bottom of the syconium, which is where insects enter to pollinate, is also referred to as an ostiole. This small orifice plays a crucial role in the reproductive cycle of these plants, enabling pollination and subsequent seed development. Therefore, when something is described as ostiolate, it means it has one or more such openings.