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mycorrhiza
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mycorrhiza
Illustration of a red-capped mushroom wearing a red cape next to bold text reading 'Can fungi save the world?' with a smokestack in the background.
Know about the role of fungi in the forest ecosystem, where some digest plant matter, while others team with the plant (mycorrhizal) mutually
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Also spelled:
Mycorhiza
Related Topics:
endotrophic mycorrhiza
ectotrophic mycorrhiza
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mycorrhiza
mycorrhiza An ericoid mycorrhiza also spelled Mycorhiza fungus on a snow wreath (Woollsia pungens).

mycorrhiza

biology
Also known as: mycorhiza
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mycorrhiza, an intimate association between the branched, tubular filaments (hyphae) of a fungus (kingdom Fungi) and the roots of higher plants. The association is usually of mutual benefit (symbiotic): a delicate balance between host plant and symbiont results in enhanced nutritional support for each member. The establishment and growth of certain plants (e.g., citrus, orchids, pines) is dependent on mycorrhiza; other plants survive but do not flourish without their fungal symbionts. The two main types of mycorrhiza are endotrophic, in which the fungus invades the hosts’ roots (e.g., orchids), and ectotrophic, in which the fungus forms a mantle around the smaller roots (e.g., pines). Exploitation of these natural associations can benefit forestry, horticulture, and other plant industries.

Illustration of a red-capped mushroom wearing a red cape next to bold text reading 'Can fungi save the world?' with a smokestack in the background.
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The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Meg Matthias.