Fungus Among Us: Mycelium Networks as Natural Internet for Plants

The Secret Language of Trees

For centuries, forests have been a source of wonder and fascination. Towering trees reaching for the sky, a complex ecosystem teeming with life – it's easy to imagine a hidden world beneath the surface. And it turns out, there is. Beneath our feet lies a fascinating communication network, woven by a common fungus – mycelium.

Mycelium: Nature's Information Highway

Mycelium is the vegetative part of fungus, a network of thread-like filaments that spread through the soil. These filaments connect to the roots of plants, forming a symbiotic relationship. But mycelium does more than just share nutrients and water. Recent research suggests that this fungal network acts as a natural internet for plants, allowing them to communicate and share information with each other.

Sharing the Benefits

Imagine a forest where trees can warn each other of dangers like insect infestations or drought. This is exactly what some scientists believe is happening through the mycelium network. Plants can send signals through the fungal filaments, alerting neighboring trees of potential threats.

A Mycorrhizal Message

The communication isn't one-sided either. Plants can also send excess sugars they produce through photosynthesis to other plants via the mycelium. This helps weaker plants or seedlings survive and thrive.

The Wood Wide Web

This discovery of a plant communication network has been dubbed the "Wood Wide Web." It challenges our traditional understanding of plant life and suggests a level of interconnectedness previously unknown.