Sorus

A sorus (pl.: sori) is a cluster of sporangia (structures producing and containing spores) in ferns and fungi. A coenosorus (pl.: coenosori) is a compound sorus composed of multiple, fused sori.

Etymology

This Neo-Latin word is from Ancient Greek σωρός (sōrós 'stack, pile, heap').

Structure

In lichens and other fungi, the sorus is surrounded by an external layer. In some red algae, it may take the form of depression into the thallus.

In ferns, the sori form a yellowish or brownish mass on the edge or underside of a fertile frond. In some species, they are protected during development by a scale or film of tissue called the indusium (pl.: indusia), which forms an umbrella-like cover.

Life cycle significance

Sori occur on the sporophyte generation, the sporangia within producing haploid meiospores. As the sporangia mature, the indusium shrivels so that spore release is unimpeded. The sporangia then burst and release the spores.

As an aid to identification

The shape, arrangement, and location of the sori are often valuable clues in the identification of fern taxa. Sori may be circular or linear. They may be arranged in rows, either parallel or oblique to the costa, or randomly. Their location may be marginal or set away from the margin on the frond lamina. The presence or absence of indusium is also used to identify fern taxa.