Symbiotic Plants

Symbiotic plants: Certain plants live in association with other organism, share food and other resources. Both the types mutually gain from each other. Such plants are called symbiotic. This kind of mutual relationship is called symbiosis or mutualism.

Example: Lichens are composite organisms composed of fungus and alga. Fungus is an  saprophyte and algae is an autotroph. The fungus supplies water and minerals to the cells of the alga while the alga supplies food; prepared by photosynthesis. A lichen is a plant in which algae and fungi live in a symbiotic association

Example: lichens & pea plant. Pea plants contain bacteria called Rhizobium which converts atmospheric nitrogen into plant usable from & plants provide nutrients to the bacteria for growth. Lichen is a combination an alga and a fungus (a saprophyte). The fungus provides water and minerals to the alga whereas the algal part which has chlorophyll, supplies synthesized food to the fungus.

A rhizobium bacteria lives in the root nodules of certain leguminous plants such as peas and beans. It converts atmospheric nitrogen into usable form, e.g., ammonia for the plant. The plant in return provides food and shelter to the bacteria.

Symbiosis or Mutualism In symbiosis or mutualism two different types of organisms live and work together for their mutual benefits. A bird sitting on the back of a rhino is an example of symbiosis. The bird gets worms to eat, while the rhino gets rid of those worms.