The relationship between orchids and their mycorrhizal partners is generally accepted to be asymmetrical. All orchids require fungi for seed germination under natural conditions and in some orchids the dependence on fungi for nutrition persists throughout the orchid’s life cycle while the orchid mycorrhizal fungi derive no apparent benefit from the relationship. The role of fungi in orchid life cycles and the nature of the relationship between fungi and orchids raises broader questions about the role of fungi in ecosystems.
About the speaker: Athulya Palliparambil is completing her honours studying the mycorrhizae of endangered Australian orchids at RMIT.
Tickets are by donation. Proceeds go to citizen science and fungal conservation projects and all donations are appreciated.
The Zoom link will be emailed out just before the talk. Please make sure you download Zoom before hand.
