darkgrowing

Darkgrowing is a term used to describe the phenomenon of organisms, particularly plants and fungi, that thrive or are observed to grow in low-light conditions or complete darkness. This is in contrast to most photosynthetic organisms that require sunlight for energy production.

For plants, darkgrowing can refer to species that are adapted to environments with limited sunlight, such as the forest floor or deep ravines. These plants often have specialized pigments or alternative metabolic pathways to capture and utilize available light, or they may rely on stored energy reserves. In some cases, "darkgrowing" might also describe etiolation, a process where plants grow rapidly in the absence of light, becoming pale and spindly as they search for a light source.

In the context of fungi, darkgrowing is more common as fungi are heterotrophic and do not perform photosynthesis. Many fungi are decomposers that break down organic matter in dark, damp environments like soil, decaying wood, and caves. Their growth is primarily dependent on the availability of nutrients and suitable moisture and temperature conditions, rather than light. Some research explores extremophile fungi that can grow in complete darkness, even in environments like deep-sea hydrothermal vents or underground caverns. The study of darkgrowing organisms provides insights into the diverse strategies life employs to survive and flourish in extreme or light-limited habitats.