Orchid's nutrient theft from fungi shows photosynthesis-parasitism continuum
(phys.org)
When the orchid Oreorchis patens happens to grow close to rotten wood, it shifts its fungal symbionts to those that decompose the wood and significantly increases the amount of nutrients it takes from them—without ceasing to employ photosynthesis. As a result, the plants are bigger and produce more flowers.
When the orchid Oreorchis patens happens to grow close to rotten wood, it shifts its fungal symbionts to those that decompose the wood and significantly increases the amount of nutrients it takes from them—without ceasing to employ photosynthesis. As a result, the plants are bigger and produce more flowers.