250219-Suetsugu-Transition-Illustration (IMAGE)

Kobe University

250219-Suetsugu-Transition-Illustration

Caption

When the orchid Oreorchis patens happens to grow close to rotten wood, it shifts its fungal symbionts to those that decompose the wood and significantly increases the amount of nutrients it takes from them — without ceasing to employ photosynthesis. As a result, the plants are bigger and produce more flowers.

Credit

ANSAI Shun adapted from The Plant Journal 2005 (DOI: 10.1111/tpj.70045)

Usage Restrictions

Credit must be given to the creator.

License

CC BY

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