Ascoma -

: A cup- or saucer-shaped structure that is wide open at maturity, exposing the spore-bearing surface (hymenium).

: The primary role of the ascoma is to protect developing spores and facilitate their dispersal into the environment. In some species, such as truffles, the ascomata are edible and develop underground (hypogeous).

: A flask-shaped structure with a specialized pore (ostiole) through which spores are discharged.