Fungal Word Friday: Cystidium

Cystidium is a large cell generally seen between clusters of basidia of a basidiomycete. They have a variety of morphological characteristics that can be used to help with species identification. 

Cystidium stained with Congo red

There are several classifications of cystida based on where they grow on the mushroom (on the edge of the lamella, on the face of the lamella, on the margin or surface of the cap, or along the stipe.)
 In addition they can be classified by structure; do they contain a refreactive yellow body (Chrysocystidia), or do they have a granular or oily appearance (Gleocystidia.)

Photo Cred: Peter G Werner (Own image) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons