PEZIZALES: epigeous ascocarps with operculate ascus; families: Ascobolaceae, Helvellaceae, Humariaceae, Morchellaceae, Otideaceae, Pezizaceae, Sarcoscyphaceae, Tuberaceae( in its own order, Tuberales).

ascospore discharge in Otidea

Comparison of an INOPERCULATE ascus with an OPERCULATE ascus

Inoperculate ascus Operculate Ascus:

feature operculate ascus inoperculate ascus
ascus tip with operculum
or bilabiate neither
symmetry of spore radially symmetrical
bilaterally symmetrical bilaterally symmetrical
size of spore 10-20 x 8-15microns
L/D < 5 L/D > 5.0
number of
rows of spores one one to many
amyloid reaction - or if +,
1/2 of ascus - or if +,
limited to pore
ascocarp smallish to
very large typically smallish

feature	operculate ascus	inoperculate ascus
ascus tip	with operculum or bilabiate	neither
symmetry of spore	radially symmetrical bilaterally symmetrical	bilaterally symmetrical
size of spore	10-20 x 8-15microns L/D < 5	L/D > 5.0
number of rows of spores	one	one to many
amyloid reaction	- or if +, 1/2 of ascus	- or if +, limited to pore
ascocarp	smallish to very large	typically smallish

classification system (places icons into orders)

index to genera/species