An ascocarp is the fruiting body of some ascomycete fungi, containing millions of asci, each of which contains typically eight ascospores. Ascocarps are most commonly bowl-shaped, but may take on a number of other designs.

There are three described types of ascocarps based upon shape: cleistothecium (spherical), apothecium (cup-shaped), and perithecium (slightly open at one end, like a flask or jug). Cleistothecia and perithecia are microscopic — about the size of flecks of ground pepper. Apothecia can be relatively large and fleshy. The morel, an edible mushroom favored by gourmets, is a mass of apothecia fused together in a single large structure or cap.

See also

• Basidiocarp

Mycology | Fungal morphology and anatomy