What is "peridium"

Peridium \Pe*rid"i*um\, n.; pl. Peridia. [NL., fr. Gr. ? about + ?, a dim. ending.] (Bot.) The envelope or coat of certain fungi, such as the puffballs and earthstars.

n. (context botany English) The outer layer that covers the spore-bearing organ in many fungus

1. n. outer layer of the spore-bearing organ in many fungi

2. [also: peridia (pl)]

The peridium is the protective layer that encloses a mass of spores in fungi. This outer covering is a distinctive feature of gasteroid fungi.