A spore cell (or cells) released by the mycobiont in apothecia, capable of growing into a new fungus. Spores are a form of asexual reproduction of the fungus.
Nomarski/DIC image of a spore from Mycoblastus sanguinaria. (A. Fischer 3/2011)
Backscattered electron image of a spore from Mycoblastus sanguinaria. (A. Fischer--3/2011)