Organism
Paper Birch
TL;DR
Deciduous tree species that shares carbon bidirectionally with Douglas fir via mycorrhizal fungal networks, despite being a competitor for light and nutrients.
Deciduous tree species that shares carbon bidirectionally with Douglas fir via mycorrhizal fungal networks, despite being a competitor for light and nutrients. Key subject in Simard's 1997 Nature paper proving inter-species nutrient transfer. Demonstrates that trees in forests are networked cooperators, not isolated competitors.
Notable Traits of Paper Birch
- Bidirectional carbon sharing with conifers
- Connected to forest network via mycorrhizal fungi