Glossary

mycorrhizal communities

Networks of beneficial fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots create an underground web that connects multiple plant species. These fungal partners, known as mycorrhizae, help plants absorb water and nutrients—especially phosphorus—in exchange for carbohydrates produced by the plant through photosynthesis.

In native ecosystems like the Santa Cruz Mountains, mycorrhizal communities:

  • Improve drought tolerance and soil structure
  • Link different plant species, allowing them to share resources and chemical signals
  • Enhance seedling survival and forest regeneration
  • Support biodiversity by fostering healthy, resilient plant communities

Many native plants—especially trees, bunchgrasses, and shrubs—depend on these fungal networks to thrive. Disruption of mycorrhizal communities through soil compaction, tilling, or chemical use can impair plant health and ecosystem recovery.

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