Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised May 31, 2026

Mycotroph

A mycotroph is a plant that gets all or part of its carbon, water, or nutrient supply through symbiotic association with fungi. A holomycotroph gets all its nutrition solely from a mycorrhizal symbiosis. The term can refer to plants that engage in either of two distinct symbioses with fungi:Many mycotrophs have a mutualistic association with fungi in any of several forms of mycorrhiza. The majority of plant species are mycotrophic in this sense. Examples include Burmanniaceae. Some mycotrophs are parasitic upon fungi in an association known as myco-heterotrophy.

Last revised
May 31, 2026
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A mycotroph is a plant that gets all or part of its carbon, water, or nutrient supply through symbiotic association with fungi.1 A holomycotroph gets all its nutrition solely from a mycorrhizal symbiosis.2 The term can refer to plants that engage in either of two distinct symbioses with fungi:

References

References

  1. Retallack, M.J.; Marks, J.; Lines, T.; Tupman, M.; Cole, M. (2024). EcoVineyards best practice management guide on soil health in Australian vineyards: Part B (biology) (PDF). Adelaide: Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
  2. "Glossary". Australian Orchid Genera. Australian National Botanic Gardens – Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research. Retrieved 9 March 2026.