Mycorrhizal Networks
These networks are highly fractal (D ≈ 1.8-2.2), with hyphae branching from millimeter-scale filaments down to micrometer-scale tips.
Mycorrhizal networks extend fractal architecture beyond individual plants: fungal hyphae form branching networks connecting roots of multiple plants (trees in forests, grasses in prairies). These networks are highly fractal (D ≈ 1.8-2.2), with hyphae branching from millimeter-scale filaments down to micrometer-scale tips. A single fungal network can span hectares while maintaining small biomass.
The mycorrhizal fractal connects plants into a resource-sharing network, trading minerals (phosphorus, nitrogen) for sugars. This distributed fractal network stabilizes forests - no single tree is self-sufficient; all are interconnected via fungal fractals.
Notable Traits of Mycorrhizal Networks
- Fractal dimension D ≈ 1.8-2.2
- Networks can span hectares
- Enables resource sharing between plants
- Analogous to inter-organizational supply chains