The subterranean parts (they are often not even subterranean, but instead clinging to debris on the ground) of Afrothismia winkleri (Burmanniaceae) are peculiar. The picture shows a young tuberlike root emerging from a rhizome. Later, the root will develop a filiform, wip-like extension. One feature of the unique mycorrhizal pattern, the o-shaped hyphal coils (see next picture), can be seen on this picture as well. These coils are actually situated in the hypodermis of the root!
More information on Afrothismia winkleri here.

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Last revised on 3rd of December 2002 by Stephan Imhof, Email: imhof@staff.uni-marburg.de

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