Mycotroph Explained

A mycotroph is a plant that gets all or part of its carbon, water, or nutrient supply through symbiotic association with fungi.^[1] The term can refer to plants that engage in either of two distinct symbioses with fungi:

• Many mycotrophs have a mutualistic association with fungi in any of several forms of mycorrhiza. The majority of plant species are mycotrophic in this sense. Examples include Burmanniaceae.
• Some mycotrophs are parasitic upon fungi in an association known as myco-heterotrophy.

Notes and References

1. Book: Retallack . M.J. . Marks . J. . Lines . T. . Tupman . M. . Cole . M. . EcoVineyards best practice management guide on soil health in Australian vineyards: Part B (biology) . Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd . 2024 . Adelaide . 9 November 2025.