Mycorrhiza is a mutually beneficial or symbiotic
association of fungi with roots of higher plants.
Orchids grow as epiphyte on plants, have their roots
associated with fungi right from the seedling stage.
Many orchids cannot survive without mycorrhizae
associations. Many forest trees such as pines appear
stunted if mycorrhizal associations are absent. In the
presence of these associations, these plants absorb 2d
times more nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus
compared to without them.