Perichæna (perikena)

[NL. (Fries, 1817), peri ( dium ) + Gr. χαίνειν , yawn, gape, open, giving name to the family Perichænaceæ. The in allusion to the peridium, which opens all round.] A genus myxomycetous fungi, peridium is distinct, irregular, or plasmodio per i clinally perichætium (per-i-kē'shi-um), n.; pl. perichæ tia (-a). [NL., (Gr. περί, around, + χαίτη, long; hair, mane, foliage.] In Muscineæ, the circle of more or le modified leaves surrounding a group of sexual organs, comprising antheridia and archegonia, or archegonia alone. From the resemblance of these leaves to the bracts or even the calyx of flowering plants, they are frequently called "flowers" or inflorescences. Perichætium includes also the cluster of leaves at the base of the pedicel or mature sporangium. Also perichæte, perichete.