protocorm

English

Etymology

proto- +‎ corm

Noun

protocorm (plural protocorms)

1. (botany) A tuberous mass of cells that is the embryonic form of orchids and club mosses
   • 2014 April 5, “Quite interesting: A quietly intriguing column from the brains behind QI, the BBC quiz show. This week; QI orchids you not”, in The Daily Telegraph (Weekend), page W22:

     Orchids rely on fungi to reproduce. Their tiny seeds don't have any on-board nutrients (like beans and apples) and will not germinate until they are infected by a symbiotic fungus which supplies them with food. Known as a protocorm, this tiny orchid-fungus ball grows, turns green and eventually starts to photosynthesise.

References

• OED (online) 2007