What does mycorrhiza mean?
A mycorrhiza is a mutually beneficial relationship between a fungus and the roots of a plant. The fungal partner extends its underground filaments through the soil, helping the plant absorb water and nutrients, especially phosphorus, while the plant supplies the fungus with sugars produced through photosynthesis. Such partnerships are extremely common in terrestrial ecosystems and can be important to the growth of forests, grasslands, and crops. The word combines Greek roots meaning “mushroom” and “root.” Although a mycorrhiza refers to the relationship as a whole, the fungi involved are often called mycorrhizal fungi. The term is especially useful in biology, ecology, agriculture, and soil science because it describes a fundamental process linking plant nutrition, fungal activity, and ecosystem productivity.
nounA symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots of a plant, in which the fungus helps the plant obtain water and mineral nutrients while receiving sugars or other organic nutrients. The plural is mycorrhizae.
- A mutually beneficial association between a fungus and the roots of a vascular plant.
"The oak tree forms a mycorrhiza with fungi in its root system, improving its access to phosphorus and other nutrients."
"Most trees depend to some extent on mycorrhizae for effective nutrient uptake."
"Researchers studied how the shape of a mycorrhiza changes the carbon cost of fungal growth."
The standard plural is mycorrhizae; mycorrhizas is also accepted in general and scientific usage.
"The roots of the pine were covered with numerous mycorrhizae."
The name literally means "mushroom root," capturing a partnership in which underground fungi help plants feed while receiving part of the plant's food.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mycorrhiza come from?
The word was formed in the late 19th century from Greek mykēs, meaning “mushroom,” and rhiza, meaning “root.” Its scientific development followed the recognition that fungi and plant roots often live together in structured, mutually beneficial associations. The modern form belongs to a wider scientific vocabulary derived from the same Greek roots, including mycology and rhizome.
Related word forms
How mycorrhiza is actually used
In biology and ecology, the term is usually used in the singular for the association and in the plural mycorrhizae for multiple associations. The related adjective is mycorrhizal.
Easily confused with mycorrhiza
A mycorrhiza is the relationship between a fungus and a plant root, whereas a mycelium is the network of fungal filaments itself.