carpogonium (pl. carpogonia) The female gametangium of the red algae (see Rhodophyta). Carpogonia, which are found at the tips of the female gametophyte, are flask-shaped structures from which protrudes a slender elongation called a trichogyne. The nonmotile male spermatia, released from the antheridia, attach to the trichogyne during sexual reproduction. After fertilization the carpogonium develops into the cystocarp, which contains the carpospores.

carpogonium A female sex organ (gametangium) in seaweeds belonging to the class Rhodophyceae. Usually it consists of a swollen basal region, and a narrow, elongated, gelatinous tip which receives the male gamete.