In the coastal south of Chile, a group of scientists unveiled a mystery hidden for more than 2,000 years: beneath the specimens of alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides), the second oldest trees on the planet, exists one of the most complex networks of fungi ever recorded.
The study, published in the journal Biodiversity and Conservation, identified 361 unique species of fungi that function as the vital support of these millennial trees.
The symbiotic relationship
The fungi, especially the arbuscular mycorrhizal ones, penetrate the roots of the alerce and exchange nutrients: they deliver phosphorus to the tree and receive carbon in return. This symbiosis allows the alerce to survive in poor and acidic soils, where nutrients are scarce.
Researchers observed that the older and larger the tree, the greater the diversity of associated fungi. It is a survival strategy perfected over millennia, allowing it to withstand environmental crises and maintain its role in the ecosystem.
Ecological functions of fungi
The discovered underground network fulfills essential functions:
- Tree nourishment: they provide nutrients that are not available in the soil.
- Carbon storage: they help regulate the nutrient cycle and mitigate climate change.
- Forest resilience: they facilitate recovery after fires or droughts.
- Biological diversity: they generate adapted microbial communities that strengthen ecosystem health.
Without this invisible network, the forest’s ability to survive natural disasters would be severely compromised.
The alerce: a giant in danger
The alerce is a majestic tree characterized by:
- Being evergreen, with a long and narrow crown.
- Having a reddish and fibrous bark with longitudinal grooves.
- Reaching up to 50 meters in height and diameters of more than 4 meters.
- Being one of the oldest trees in the world: the Alerce Abuelo is over 2,400 years old, and some specimens exceed 5,000 years.
Despite its longevity, the alerce is in danger of extinction due to habitat destruction, road construction, and forest fires.
Importance of the discovery
This discovery not only provides scientific knowledge about the relationship between trees and fungi but also reinforces the need to protect Patagonian forests. The interaction between the alerce and its fungal network is key to ecological stability and to facing the challenges of climate change.
Researchers emphasize that conserving these species means preserving not only millennial trees but also the invisible communities that support them.
The finding of more than 360 species of fungi associated with the alerces of Chilean Patagonia opens new perspectives for science and conservation. These fungi are the vital support of one of the oldest trees on the planet and ensure the resilience of forests against growing threats. Protecting the alerce also means protecting the complex web of life that surrounds it and ensures the continuity of Patagonian ecosystems.
