Rare fungi help restore Palmyra Atoll rainforests, new study finds. Here’s how
A new study shows that rare fungi called Tomentella form a crucial partnership with native Pisonia trees on Palmyra Atoll, helping them absorb nutrients from seabird guano and supporting the rainforest ecosystem. The fungi are essential for the trees' survival and are most abundant near Pisonia trees, suggesting that reforestation efforts may need to include fungal inoculation in areas where the trees are absent. The research also highlights the discovery of potentially new fungal species and the role of land crabs in enhancing fungal diversity, emphasizing the importance of protecting Palmyra's unique microbial communities for ecosystem health.
A study found that rare fungi called Tomentella help native trees on Palmyra Atoll survive by using seabird guano to get nutrients.
This discovery shows how removing invasive plants could harm forest recovery unless the fungi are also reintroduced to the soil.
The research highlights the hidden, interconnected life that supports ecosystems, offering lessons for restoring damaged environments.
upbeatBytes summarizes in its own words and links to the original publisher — it doesn't host the article.