Fly agaric mushrooms or toadstools (Amanita muscaria) growing in association with a mature silver birch tree (Betula pendula) during October, UK

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The fly agaric is usually seen fruiting in close proximity to birch trees, and this is because it has an ectomycorrhizal relationship with them. In this symbiotic, mutually-beneficial relationship, the hyphae of the fungus wrap around the root hairs of a tree. In the exchange that takes place at the plant-fungus interface, the fungus obtains sugars that the tree produces by photosynthesis, while the tree gains nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which the fungus takes up from the soil. The fly agaric also has mycorrhizal relationships with some conifer species.

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Size: 3333px × 5006px
Location: Yateley Common, Hampshire, England, UK
Photo credit: © Gillian Pullinger / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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