Mycology
Hyphae
The thread-like filaments that form the body (mycelium) of a fungus. Hyphae grow at their tips and branch to form extensive networks.
Biological Context
A single fungal colony can extend hyphae for kilometers. Hyphae secrete enzymes to digest external food sources, then absorb the nutrients. Mycorrhizal hyphae dramatically extend plant root reach. The hyphae of some fungi are visible as mold; others form massive underground networks.
Business Application
Distribution networks, sales channels, and information-gathering systems function like hyphae—extending organizational reach far beyond the core, extracting value from distant sources.