pycnia

Pycnia is a term used in mycology to describe a type of fruiting body produced by certain fungi. It is characterized by a cluster of small, cup-like structures that are often found growing on the surface of decaying wood or other substrates. Pycnia are typically dark in color and can vary in size, ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. They are often associated with the sexual reproduction of fungi, particularly in the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota phyla. The term "pycnia" comes from the Greek word "pyknos," meaning "thick" or "dense," reflecting the compact nature of these fruiting bodies. Pycnia are an important part of the fungal life cycle, as they contain the reproductive cells that give rise to new fungal colonies.