What are the mycoheterotrophs� and what are they doing?

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Tuesday, November 19th, 2019
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

BOTANY NIGHT

What are the mycoheterotrophs… and what are they doing?

Andy Mackinnon describes mycoheterotrophs—plants that lack chlorophyll and so can’t manufacture their own sugars through photosynthesis—hence ‘heterotrophs’. These plants are dependent on mycorrhizal fungal partners for at least part of their life cycles. Most plant guides erroneously describe mycoheterotrophs as saprobes, meaning that they derive their nutrition from decaying organic matter. The truth is much more interesting. This presentation will explore the nature and meaning of mycoheterotrophy (and mixotrophy), and illustrate concepts with local examples.