ektomykorrhiza
Ectomycorrhiza (Czech: ektomykorrhiza) is a mutualistic symbiosis between certain soil fungi and the roots of many tree species, especially in temperate and boreal forests. In this association the fungal hyphae form a mantle around the root tip and create a network called the Hartig net between the epidermal and cortical cells, rather than penetrating the cell interiors as in arbuscular mycorrhiza.
The external mycelium extends into the surrounding soil, increasing the effective surface area for nutrient uptake.
Common ectomycorrhizal fungi belong mostly to Basidiomycota and some Ascomycota, including genera Amanita, Cortinarius, Russula, Suillus,
Ecologically, ectomycorrhizal symbiosis supports nutrient cycling, soil aggregation, and forest health. Mycelial networks can connect multiple
Fungi form fruiting bodies above ground, such as mushrooms, when conditions permit. Ectomycorrhizal relationships are distinct