(endophytic mycorrhiza) A form of mycorrhizal association in which the fungus lives between and within the cells of the cortex and growth on the outside of the root is limited. Such associations are found on many herbaceous species, especially orchids and heathers, and on certain woody plants, such as rhododendrons. The fungi involved are usually species of Rhizoctonia on orchids or Phoma on heathers. The hyphae form tightly coiled masses, termed pelotons, within the cells of the outer cortex. Plants that commonly develop such associations cannot grow normally without the appropriate fungus. See also ectotrophic mycorrhiza , vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza. |
