Complex symbiotic associations develop between vascular plants and fungi by means of growths known as mycorrhiza. There are two major forms: ectotrophic -- found in conifers and hardwoods. The mycelia form a sheath around the roots of the host and hyphae invade the root cortex. The fungus may secrete hormones, causing morphological changes in roots and absorb carbohydrates from the host. endotrophic -- found in ferns and some gymnosperms. Hyphae penetrate intercellularly and develop branched haustoria and prominent vesicles (vesicular-arbuscular - treelike mycorrhizae).
Genus Monotropa, Family Ericaceae. The roots of this flowering plant which lacks chlorophyll are dependent on mycorrhizae.
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