Capillitium

Capillitial threads and spores from the gleba of the puffball *Lycoperdon echinatum* source ↗

Capillitium (pl. capillitia) is a mass of sterile fibers within a fruit body interspersed among spores. It is found in Mycetozoa (slime molds) and gasteroid fungi of the fungal subdivision Agaricomycotina.¹ In the fungi, the form of the capillitia, including shape, size, branching patterns, presence or absence of slits or pores, thickness of the walls, and color, are features that can be used to identify certain species or genera.²

References

Kirk PM, Cannon PF, Minter DW, Stalpers JA (2008). Dictionary of the Fungi (10th ed.). Wallingford, UK: CAB International. p. 117. ISBN 9780851998268.
Ammirati J, Traquair JA, Horgen PA (1985). Poisonous Mushrooms of the northern United States and Canada. Markham, Ontario: Fitzhenry & Whiteside in cooperation with Agriculture Canada. p. 30, 376. ISBN 978-0889029774.

[Kirk2008-1] Kirk PM, Cannon PF, Minter DW, Stalpers JA (2008). Dictionary of the Fungi (10th ed.). Wallingford, UK: CAB International. p. 117. ISBN 9780851998268.

[Ammirati1985-2] Ammirati J, Traquair JA, Horgen PA (1985). Poisonous Mushrooms of the northern United States and Canada. Markham, Ontario: Fitzhenry & Whiteside in cooperation with Agriculture Canada. p. 30, 376. ISBN 978-0889029774.

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