A fine‐scale spatial analysis of fungal communities on tropical tree bark unveils the epiphytic rhizosphere in orchids

What is it about?

Most plants, including orchids, associate with fungi in their roots to form mutualistic associations named mycorrhizae. However, while most orchids are epiphytic (i.e. grow on a tree), the spatial distribution of their fungi in their vicinity or in their roots is not yet resolved. We show that their fungi are aggregated around their orchid host and reveal a zone of influence of the orchid roots toward all fungi.

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