A method for facilitating the seed germination of a mycoheterotrophic orchid Gastrodia pubilabiata using decomposed leaf litter harboring a basidiomycete fungus Mycena sp.

摘要

BackgroundMycoheterotrophic plants are one of the most difficult plant groups to conserve because they are entirely dependent on symbiotic fungi. Establishment of viable culture systems would greatly aid their conservation. We describe a simple culture system for the mycoheterotrophic orchid, Gastrodia pubilabiata, that does not require laboratory facilities. The orchid is symbiotic with leaf-litter-decomposing fungi.