Underground Networks, 5-2

Martha Ressler

It turns out that trees can communicate with each other through Mycorrhizal networks, mycelium, a fungal network of tiny roots whereby fungi provide additional nutrients to the tree roots, and the trees in turn provide the fungi with sugars produced through their photosynthesis. The mycelium extend the trees’ root system, and create an underground world wide web for sharing and communication.

It starts with a mother, or hub tree, the largest around.  It produces more sugar than it needs and shares with the fungi.

This is what is meant by “trees can talk to each other.”  They need a little help from the humble fungi.

Martha Ressler

5-2, Building Bridges

40 x 29″ Cottons, hand dyed and woven yarns.

Raw Edge Applique

地下ネットワーク、5-2

マーサ・レスラー

樹木は、菌根ネットワーク、つまり菌糸体と呼ばれる小さな根のネットワークを通じて互いにコミュニケーションをとることができることが分かりました。菌糸体によって、菌類は樹木の根に栄養分を供給し、樹木は光合成によって生産された糖分を菌類に供給します。菌糸体は樹木の根系を拡張し、共有とコミュニケーションのための地下のワールドワイドウェブを形成します。

それは、周囲で最も大きな母樹、つまりハブ樹から始まります。母樹は必要以上の糖分を生産し、菌類と共有します。

これが「樹木が互いにコミュニケーションをとることができる」という意味です。彼らは、謙虚な菌類からのちょっとした助けを必要としているのです。

3 thoughts on “Underground Networks

  1. You’ve done a great job revealing the astonishing depth of life that exists and thrives under our feet. One which we have so little awareness of. How exciting that scientific inquiry is now opening up these worlds to us!

  2. Wow! This is Fabulous! fabulous! I am struggling with my piece, but it will be ready by the 30th, but NOTHING as SPECTACULAR as this! I recently watches a programme about how trees will help each other survive even if they are a different type of tree!

    1. Thank you, Al. I struggled with this one, even with a wealth of possibilities. One friend back in Pittsburgh, where I used to live, chided me, “You are from the City of Bridges, and you can’t think of anything to do!!” And I’m not super happy with it, truth be told. but — it is finished.

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