The name is taken from the structure that forms in sexual reproduction. Gametangia form and make haploid nuclei, which later fuse to form a zygote. Each spore germinates to produce a stalked structure that releases spores that will grow into new mycelia. This group includes both single-celled and multicelled forms. Multicelled forms include edible morels and truffles.
Reproduction is both asexual and sexual.
In sexual reproduction, they form ascocarps, which bear spore-producing sacs called asci. This group includes commonly seen puffballs and shelf fungi, rusts and smuts, and edible mushrooms. When spores land on a suitable site, they germinate to produce extensive underground mycelia, which then reproduce sexually, resulting in a dikaryotic stage. This group includes all fungi lacking a known sexual phase. Beneficial Associations Between Fungi and Plants Lichens Lichens are mutualistic associations between fungi and cyanobacteria, green algae, or both.