# Mycorrhizal Fungi (*Paraglomerales*)

Mycorrhizal fungi are special mushrooms that live underground and help plants grow big and strong. They form partnerships with trees and share important nutrients through their roots.

- **Category:** [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fungi)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Forests
- **Also known as:** Mycorrhiza, Mycorrhizal Association

![Mycorrhizal Fungi](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Impacts_of_arbuscular_mycorrhizal_fungi_%28AMF%29_and_beneficial_bacteria_on_plant_performance_and_soil_fertility.webp&width=800)

Photo: Luca Giovannini , Michela Palla, Monica Agnolucci, Luciano Avio, Cristiana Sbrana, Alessandra Turrini and Manuela Giovannetti, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Impacts_of_arbuscular_mycorrhizal_fungi_%28AMF%29_and_beneficial_bacteria_on_plant_performance_and_soil_fertility.webp)

## Appearance

The Mycorrhizal Fungi is not typically seen directly, as it forms a microscopic network of thread-like structures called hyphae, often white or translucent, that intricately associate with plant roots underground. These delicate threads spread far and wide, invisible to the naked eye.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Fungi
- **Phylum:** Basidiomycota
- **Class:** Agaricomycetes
- **Order:** Paraglomerales

## Interesting facts

- Ancient fossil plants from 400 million years ago show evidence of these fungi!
- Most plants on Earth, about 90%, rely on these fungi to grow big!
- Some scientists believe these fungal networks are Earth's "wood wide web"!
- These tiny fungi help forests absorb more carbon dioxide from the air!

## Special abilities

- **Nutrient Harvester:** Mycorrhizal Fungi can extend hyphae far into soil, acting like super-efficient roots to gather water and scarce nutrients for plants.
- **Protective Shield:** Mycorrhizal Fungi has ability to shield plants from diseases and toxins, boosting their resilience against environmental stresses.
- **Communication Network:** Mycorrhizal Fungi can connect different plants underground, allowing them to share resources and signal dangers to each other.

## Measurements & details

- **Growth Substrate:** other
- **Season:** Year-round

## Ecological connections

- **Symbiotic with:** [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) — provides sugars, receives nutrients and water
- **Symbiotic with:** [Scots Pine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/scots-pine) (*Pinus sylvestris*) — provides carbon, receives nitrogen and phosphorus
- **Symbiotic with:** Small-leaved Lime (*Tilia cordata*) — exchanges carbon for essential minerals
- **Symbiotic with:** [Tomato](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tomato) (*Solanum lycopersicum*) — improves nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus

## Traits

- [Mycorrhizal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mycorrhizal): This trait describes a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the roots of a plant, benefiting both organisms.
- [Spore Producing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spore-producing): Spore-producing organisms reproduce by releasing small, often single-celled, reproductive units called spores.
- [Symbiotic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/symbiotic): Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

## Collections

- [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fungi)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Mycorrhizal fungi are safe to observe but should not be touched or eaten as some wild mushrooms can be dangerous.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Mycorrhizal Fungi?

Compare the cap shape, the underside, the stem and base, and whether the fungus grows on wood or soil. Some fungi have gills, others pores or teeth. A cap seen only from above often hides the most useful features. Mushroom Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### Where is Mycorrhizal Fungi usually found?

Forests

### What does Mycorrhizal Fungi grow on?

other

### When is Mycorrhizal Fungi in season?

Year-round

## More Fungi

- [Field Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Button Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/button-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Portobello Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/portobello-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Shiitake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shiitake) (*Lentinula*)

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Source: [Mycorrhizal Fungi: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mycorrhizal-fungi)