The role of mycorrhizal fungi in nutrient supply and habitat specificity of the rare underground orchid (Rhizanthella gardneri)

地下兰花(Rhizanthella Gardneri)是一种极为罕见的非绿叶真菌异养植物，与金雀花(Melaleuca Uncinata)共享一种菌根真菌。该项目将调查加德纳尔红曲霉的栖息地需求，并评估兰花对红曲霉的碳和养分供应的依赖。我们将使用稳定同位素技术来测量根部、真菌菌丝和加德纳尔根霉之间的养分和碳转移的大小和时间。该项目将为保护地下兰花、一种独特的澳大利亚植物和其他极度濒危的兰花提供必要的知识。

The underground orchid (Rhizanthella gardneri) is an extremely rare achlorophyllous myco-heterotroph that shares a mycorrhizal fungus with broom bush (Melaleuca uncinata). This project will investigate habitat requirements for R. gardneri and assess the orchid dependence on M. uncinata for carbon and nutrient supply. We will measure magnitude and timing of nutrient and carbon transfers between M. uncinata roots, fungal hyphae and R. gardneri using stable isotope techniques. This project will provide knowledge essential for conserving the underground orchid, a unique Australian plant, and other critically endangered orchids.