sphærenchyma (ær as er)

[Pref.sphærand Gr. engchyma =an infusion.] Bot.: Merenchyma (q. v.). sphær-I-a (ær as ër), s. [Gr. sphairion, dim in. from sphaira =a sphere. Named from the globular form of the species.] Bot.: The typical genus of ophæriacei (q. v.). Perithecia carbonaceous, completely exposed, partially sunk into the matrix, or covered by the cuticle and accompanied by a growth of threads, constituting the mycelium. Known species about 500. They are found at all seasons on the trunks of trees, on leaves, on fir cones, .