A Mode of Entry of Blue-Green Algae into the Apogeotropic Roots of Macrozamia communis

Abstract

The entry of blue-green algae into an aerial root of Macrozamia communis via a break in the dermal layers and leading through a continuous cortical channel into the algal zone is reported. Penetration of the algae appears to be mainly in the form of filaments. Intercellular migration of the algae is found to occur after dissolution of host cell middle lamellae, but host cortical cells are also destroyed near some of the algae. Intracellular migration is also suggested to be a likely pathway for the algae as they proceed to the algal zone.