Letrouitia domingensis

Here we see the asci imbedded just below the surface of the apothecia disk. The one at the lower right contained 8 spores each of which is multi-septate as can be seen. When mature, the ascus splits open by various methods and spores are released to the atmosphere. The tips of the asci have been stained. Shape, size and staining characteristics of asci are sometimes important in identifying lichens.