Fungus Fact Friday

Tagged: arbutoid

arbutoid mycorrhizal fungi

#078: Evolution of Mycorrhizae 1

Fungus Fact

#078: Evolution of Mycorrhizae

Arbuscular mycorrhizae have been around since plants began to colonize the land and were probably instrumental in that transition. Ectomycorrhizae and ericaceous mycorrhizae evolved during the time of the dinosaurs and were successful because of their ability to extract organic nutrients from the well-defined soil.  Orchid mycorrhizae were the last to evolve.  This probably happened around the same time as mammal lineages started to diverge.  Despite the tens to hundreds of millions of years of symbiosis, coevolution does not appear to play a large role in the evolution of modern mycorrhizal partners.

#077: Ericaceous Mycorrhizae 0

Fungus Fact

#077: Ericaceous Mycorrhizae

Many plants in the order Ericales (which includes blueberries, rhododendrons, heaths, heathers, tea, and Brazil nut) form unique mycorrhizae. These plants are frequently found living in harsh conditions, like acidic or highly acidic soil.  Their aptitude for these types of habitats is likely due to their unique mycorrhizae.  There are actually three types of mycorrhizae formed by these plants: ericoid, arbutoid, and monotropoid.