Gimme some sugar
When we walk through a forest, we feel the peacefulness and nourishment of nature. Unbeknownst to us, there’s a whole network of interspecies give and take that is happening all around us.
Canadian researcher, Suzanne W. Simard, discovered just such connections between fungi, Paper Birch and Douglas Fir trees. The fungi take a bit of carbs and vitamins from the Birch and in return increases the tree’s ability to absorb water and essential elements like phosphorus.
This helpful fungi also connects the Paper Birch to neighbouring Douglas Fir trees so it can share some sugar. And when it’s neighbour is not getting enough sun, the Birch gives its Fir friend some extra sugar.
https://arbordayblog.org/misctrees/paper-birch-douglasfir-odd-relationship/