THE 
SCIENTIFIC PROCEEDINGS 
OF 
THE ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY. 
I. 
CORALLORHIZA INNATA R.Br., AND ITS MYCORHIZA. By 
A. VAUGHAN JENNINGS, F.L.S., F.G.S., ann HENRY 
HANNA, M.A., B.Sc. (Puavzs I. anp IT.) 
[Read Junz 22; Received for Publication June 28; Published Octoner 22, 1898.] 
HE orchid genus Corallorhiza has long been of interest to 
botanists on account of the peculiar rhizome from which it 
derives its name, the absence of roots, and the want of chlorophyll 
usually associated with a saprophytic habit which it shares with 
such forms as Epipogon and Neottia.' 
Any additional information bearing on the nutrition of such a 
specialised type as Coralloriza must be of interest, as we have 
reason to believe that in this case the relationship which obtains 
between the mycorhiza and the host plant is of a very complex 
nature, and not at present thoroughly understood. 
Of late years new light has been thrown on the question of the 
nutrition of saprophytes and certain other plants, owing to the 
frequency with which fungoid elements are found in association 
with their roots or rhizomes. 
Thus, if we take up a young beech plant and carefully wash 
the roots with water, we observe numerous fine root fibres to 
which there cling small portions of humus; no root hairs are 
‘ Chlorophyll is not entirely absent. The flowers and upper part of the scape are 
of a faint yellow-green colour, but the leaves are reduced to colourless sheathing 
scales. 
SCIEN. PROC. R.D.S., VOL. IX., PART I. B 
