Bird's-nest orchid (Neottia nidus-avis) This mycoheterotrophic orchid is native to the shady and mossy woodlands of Europe and North Africa. (more) mycoheterotroph biology Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/mycoheterotrophy Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Anna Dubey Anna Dubey is a freelance writer at Encyclopædia Britannica. Anna Dubey Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Nov. 13, 2025 •History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot mycoheterotroph, plant that relies on fungal networks for either all or some of its nutrition. Mycoheterotrophic plants may or may not photosynthesize. They form a one-sided, nonreciprocal relationship with fungi, extracting carbon-based nutrients from their fungal partners without giving anything in return. Mycoheterotrophy derives from the Greek words for “fungus” (mykēs), “other” (heteros), and “nourishment” (trophē), indicating that mycoheterotrophic plants are not nutritionally self-sufficient and rely on fungi for their nourishment. Almost all major groups...

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