Giant-spored AM Fungus
Gigaspora margarita
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Edibility inedible
Phylum Glomeromycota
Family Gigasporaceae
Conservation Not applicable - common
Complete Taxonomy
Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Glomeromycota
Class: Glomeromycetes
Order: Diversisporales
Family: Gigasporaceae
Genus: Gigaspora
Species: G. margarita
Description
Gigaspora margarita is an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus notable for producing exceptionally large spores (up to 800 micrometers). Unlike most AM fungi, it forms vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae and produces auxiliary cells. It's effective at improving plant phosphorus nutrition and is used in commercial inoculants.
Physical Characteristics
Cap Shape: Large spherical to sub-spherical spores
Cap Color: Creamy white to pale yellow spores
Size: Spores 400-800 micrometers - among largest fungal spores
Gill Attachment: N/A
Spore Print: N/A
Stipe: Coenocytic hyphae; forms arbuscules but not vesicles
Habitat: Plant roots and soil
Fruiting Season: Continuous with living host
Distribution
Worldwide in diverse soils
Habitat
Forms AM associations with diverse plant species in natural and agricultural systems.
Ecological Role
Mutualistic plant symbiont improving nutrition and stress tolerance. Forms extensive external hyphal networks.
Fascinating Facts
- Produces some of the largest fungal spores
- Forms unique auxiliary cells
- Does not form vesicles unlike most AM fungi
- Extensive extraradical hyphal network
- Commercially used as biofertilizer
- Particularly effective for phosphorus uptake