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Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2007; 9(6): 786-792
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965613
Research Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart KG · New York

Specialized Mycorrhizal Colonization Pattern in Achlorophyllous Epirixanthes spp. (Polygalaceae)

S. Imhof1
  • 1Spezielle Botanik und Mykologie, Fachbereich Biologie, Philipps-Universität, 35032 Marburg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: January 10, 2007

Accepted: April 10, 2007

Publication Date:
17 October 2007 (online)

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Abstract

Roots of the achlorophyllous Epirixanthes papunana and E. elongata were sectioned in complete series in order to reconstruct the three-dimensional mycorrhizal colonization pattern within their tissues. Hyphal morphology, vesicles, as well as the exclusively intracellular mode of colonization indicate a Paris-type of arbuscular mycorrhiza showing a hitherto unknown colonization pattern: (1) the outer cortex is colonized by persistent straight-growing hyphae which branch in a cascading manner, (2) a specific layer (called layer 2) is inhabited by persistent hyphal coils, (3) in the cells of the anatomically distinct inner cortex parenchyma layer (called layer 1) the hyphae immediately degenerate, and (4) the layer outside to layer 2 (called layer 3) is either transitional layer 2 when penetrated from the outer cortex or the fungal material degenerates when colonized from the layer 2. This complex colonization pattern is a reasonable adaptation to the particular demands of Epirixanthes as a myco-heterotrophic plant. It not only allows a sustained benefit from the fungal symbiont but also provides a two-level distribution system of hyphae within the roots. The outer cortex hyphae function as a permanent intraradical resource of living fungi providing connection to the external mycelium as well as a coarse distribution of hyphae within the root. Layer 2 represents the fine scale distribution of hyphae, having access to all potentially digesting cells of the layers 1 and 3. Common structural features of mycorrhizae in myco-heterotrophic plants are pointed out in order to find putative prerequisites for their heterotrophic mode of life.

Key words

Epirixanthes - Polygalaceae - myco-heterotrophy - arbuscular mycorrhiza - colonization pattern - evolution of myco-heterotrophy.

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S. Imhof

Spezielle Botanik und Mykologie
Fachbereich Biologie
Philipps-Universität

35032 Marburg

Germany

Email: imhof@staff.uni-marburg.de

Editor: J. Cullimore

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