Our native orchids have a symbiotic relationship with certain fungi called a mycorrhizal association. The fungus provides nutrients to the orchid plant, and the orchid is a home to the fungus. Orchid seeds are so tiny they do not have enough food to nourish a seedling, that’s why they need the fungus. This mycorrhizal association helps explain why the majority of North American orchids die soon when transplanted from the wild.

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Florida Nature Facts is a series about interesting facts about the flora, fauna and places that make Florida so amazing. Posts include nature photos that are short & sweet, and all about the native and naturalized wildlife that is all around us with just one or two interesting nature facts that you might not know about. If you want to find out even more, simply click on the image or links above!

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