We all need a little help form our friends, and trees are no exception.

Did you know they form a ‘marriage’ with soil living fungi?

(These fungi are called mycorrhizal fungi)

The fungi are much better than the tree at taking up plant nutrients from the soil, as well as water.

So the fungus passes these to the tree.

In exchange the tree lets the fungus feast on sugars stored in its roots.

In some cases the fungus also protects the tree from soil born diseases.

Birch trees marry (or form a mycorrhizal relationship) with the Fly Agaric fungus, (Amanita muscaria)

The fungus then ‘flowers’ in the autumn, creating these stunning mushrooms, which legend says are homes to fairies and mythical creatures…

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