What is the name of the symbiosis of a fungus with plant roots?

The symbiosis of fungi and plant roots was discovered at the end of the 19th century and was named mycorrhiza: “mikes” is the Greek name for mushrooms, “riza” is also a Greek word, meaning “root”. The roots of these Greek words can be found in other botanical terms: rhizoids, mycelium.

Mycorrhiza is beneficial for plants, with the help of fungi they assimilate minerals and water. It is also needed by fungi – they receive from the plant the organic compounds synthesized by them, including amino acids and hormones.

Mycorrhiza is found everywhere, from 70 to 90% of plant species need symbiosis with fungi for normal development.