3 facts
Trees in a forest are often connected by mycorrhizal fungi, forming a "wood wide web." Through this network, they can exchange nutrients, water, and even send warning signals about insect infestations or diseases to neighboring trees, demonstrating complex ecological cooperation previously unknown.
Armillaria ostoyae, also known as the "humongous fungus," covers over 2,200 acres in Oregon's Malheur National Forest. Most of its mass is underground, consisting of a vast network of mycelia that decompose wood.
Known as the "Wood Wide Web," mycorrhizal fungi connect tree roots, allowing them to share water, nutrients, and even warning signals about insect infestations or diseases. This complex symbiotic relationship supports forest health.