When you think of fungi, you may think of the incredibly diverse fruiting bodies we see above ground, but there is a whole network of fungal threads underneath the forest floor! This network of fungal threads, known as mycelium, intertwine with tree roots creating mutually-beneficial connections. These connections are called “mycorrhiza” which is from the Greek word myco, meaning fungus, and rhiza, meaning root. These mycorrhizal connections create a symbiotic relationship between fungi and plants.
During photosynthesis, plants create glucose, which is an essential energy source for nearly all living things. When a plant has excess glucose, it sends it to its roots for storage. From there, mycorrhizal connections are able to absorb some of the glucose to sustain fungi, which can’t photosynthesize themselves. In return, fungal mycelium, which has more surface area than plant roots, can absorb more nutrients, like phosphorous and magnesium, passing along these essential nutrients to the plant.
This network of mycorrhizal connections not only connects fungi to plants. They also connect plants to other plants, creating stronger, more resilient forest systems! A young sapling may find itself growing in a particularly shady area, where there isn’t enough sunlight to perform adequate photosynthesis. In order to survive, the sapling needs nutrients and glucose, which it can get through a network of mycorrhizal connections. This mutualistic relationship between plants and fungi is essential to healthy forests. Next time you’re among trees, think about the complex connections happening beneath your feet that sustain the beautiful life around you!
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