MYCORRHIZ(?) & FUNG(?) USAGE

Learn the the proper usage of all the ways to describe mycorrhiza!

MYCORRHIZAL: adj.; of or related to mycorrhiza or mycorrhizae

Ex: The relationship formed between some species of fungi and plant roots is a mycorrhizal association.

MYCORRHIZA: noun; a symbiotic association (singular) between a fungus and the roots of a vascular host plant. The term mycorrhiza refers to the role of the fungi in the plants' rhizosphere, its root system.

Ex: The ericoid mycorrhiza is a mutualistic symbiosis formed between members of the plant family Ericaceae and several lineages of fungi.

Ex: The roots of most vascular plant species (plural) enter into symbiosis with certain fungi to form mycorrhizae, and a large range of other organisms including bacteria also closely associate with roots.

FUNGAL: adj.; of or caused by a fungus or fungi

Ex: Fido was diagnosed with a fungal infection.

FUNGUS: noun; any member (singular) of the group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts, molds, mushrooms, etc.

Ex: My fungus is throwing a soil party and I have to help it prepare.

FUNGI: plural noun; any (plural) of a diverse group of eukaryotic single-celled or multinucleate organisms that live by decomposing and absorbing the organic material in which they grow, comprising the mushrooms, molds, mildews, etc.

Ex: You should invite your fungi to the soil party my fungus is throwing on Friday!

R. intraradices is a species of mycorrhizal fungus. (Brown squirrel is the common name for a species of squirrel.)

R. intraradices and C. etunicatum are mycorrhizal fungi. (Brown squirrels and grey squirrels are squirrels.)

R. intraradices and C. etunicatum are each a type of mycorrhizal fungus. (The brown squirrel and the grey squirrel are each a type of squirrel.)