What are mycorrhizae?

The associations between roots and fungi are called mycorrhizae. Plant roots provide a welcoming environment for fungus to anchor and develop their threads (hyphae). The fungi rely on the nutrients provided by the roots to flourish. In exchange, the enormous quantity of fungal hyphae works as a root system for the plants, allowing them to obtain more water and nutrients from the surrounding soil. This is particularly important in uptake of phosphorus, one of the major nutrients required by plants.