Some Aspects of Monotropoid Mycorrhizas

Abstract

Monotropoid mycorrhiza occurs in species of Monotropa, non-chlorophyllous plants growing under forest trees like Fagus, Pinus, Quercus and Salix as epiparasites depending on the fungal partner. Monotropa and associated trees are connected by mycelium of a common mycorrhizal fungus Boletus. This association is very similar to orchidoid mycorrhiza. The host cells are penetrated by hyphal pegs restricted to epidermal layers.