plants are AWESOME!
Orchids and fungi share a unique and essential symbiotic relationship known as mycorrhiza. Orchid seeds are extremely tiny and lack sufficient nutrients to germinate on their own. To survive, they rely on specific fungi in the soil, often from the Rhizoctonia group. These fungi infect the seed and provide it with water, minerals, and carbohydrates, enabling germination and early growth. In return, as the orchid matures and begins photosynthesis, it may supply sugars back to the fungus, although in some species the relationship remains one-sided.
This symbiosis is critical not only during germination but also throughout the orchid’s life in many species. Some orchids are even fully mycoheterotrophic, meaning they rely entirely on fungi for nutrition and do not photosynthesize at all. The specificity of the orchid-fungus relationship varies by species—some orchids partner with a wide range of fungi, while others depend on only one or a few types. This intricate dependency highlights the delicate ecological balance in orchid habitats and explains why many orchids are difficult to cultivate or reintroduce into the wild without their fungal partners.
Orchid - Wolfgang Horvath
The snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata), also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a hardy, evergreen plant native to West Africa. It features upright, sword-shaped leaves with green banding and yellow or light green edges. Adapted to arid conditions, the snake plant stores water in its thick leaves and thrives in low-light environments. It’s popular as a houseplant due to its resilience and air-purifying qualities. In its native habitat, it grows in rocky soils and open forests, playing a role in traditional medicine and fiber production. Scientists are actively researching its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Plants are cool.
