This Orchid Hacks Fungi to Supercharge Its Growth
Some orchids have evolved a unique parasitic lifestyle, abandoning full reliance on photosynthesis in favor of extracting nutrients from fungi. Oreorchis patens serves as a fascinating case, capable of both photosynthesis and fungal parasitism.
Some Orchids Abandon Photosynthesis to Feed on Fungi
Researchers found that some orchids abandon photosynthesis and feed on fungi when conditions allow. Instead of relying on parasitism for survival, they opportunistically boost their growth and reproduction.
Orchid's nutrient theft from fungi sheds light on photosynthesis-parasitism continuum
Most orchids live in a symbiotic relationship with fungi in their roots: The plants provide sugar they produce through photosynthesis and in return receive water and minerals from the fungi. However,
Parasitic orchids ditch photosynthesis for fungi
Most orchid species have a symbiotic relationship with the natural fungi found in their roots. The plants provide the fungi with sugar through photosynthesis and the orchids receive important water and minerals from the fungi.
Some orchids turn parasitic when conditions allow
Some orchids stop making food and feed on fungi instead. Researchers found they do this only when conditions allow.
Parasitic orchids are healthier
Why have some orchids stopped photosynthesis and become parasites feeding on fungi? Researchers found that in at least one species the transition may be driven by the opportunity -- more than by the need -- to do so.
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These Orchids Have Found a New Way to Steal Food
Orchids are among the most popular flowers, admired for their beauty and delicate appearance. But beneath the surface, some ...
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It's Giving... Fun With Fungi: A Mycologist Reveals Amazing Developments in the Magical World of Mushrooms (Exclusive)
Between the rise of pop culture fungi like Cordyceps in HBO's The Last of Us or books such as Entangled Life, people are more curious than ever about fungi. Many regularly eat mushrooms for their ...
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Marine fungi can be trained to degrade plastic pollution
Researchers found marine fungi capable of breaking down plastic. They tested fungi from Hawai‘i’s nearshore waters.
Fungi Lurking in Your Nose Could Be Worsening Your Allergies
A new study reveals that individuals with allergic rhinitis and asthma have distinct nasal fungal profiles, hinting at ...
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Marine Fungi Could Eat Plastic Pollution, Helping to Clean Our Oceans and Beaches
Learn more about the marine fungi that could be conditioned to help clean up Hawai’i’s beaches.
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Zombie Fungi Hijack Hosts’ Brains
As such, scientists don’t yet know whether these fungi have evolved resemblant insect-manipulation mechanisms or whether each has a unique strategy for achieving a common result. To determine how ...
Fun with fungi: Foraging for mushrooms with Chick of the Woods
Jaime Rockney, or “Chick of the Woods,” as she’s known to many, has never met a mushroom she didn’t like. Rockney, who is a Jordan resident, said after nine years of working a regular ...