Personable doesn't seem to understand that fungi don't just live on dead or decaying matter.
Four major mycorrhizal types have been described based on their structure and function, namely arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), ectomycorrhiza (EM), orchid mycorrhiza and ericoid mycorrhiza
- Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), a symbiosis between plants and members of an ancient phylum of fungi, the Glomeromycota, improves the supply of water and nutrients, such as phosphate and nitrogen, to the host plant. In return, up to 20% of plant-fixed carbon is transferred to the fungus.
- Ectomycorrhiza (ECM) is a symbiotic association of fungi with the feeder roots of higher plants in which both the partners are mutually benefited and indeed the association appears to be significant for the existence of both the partners.
- Orchid mycorrhizae are endomycorrhizal fungi which develop symbiotic relationships with the roots and seeds of plants of the family Orchidaceae.
- Ericoid mycorrhizae are a restricted group of fungi associated with a restricted diversity of plant species in the Ericaceae, Epacridaceae, and Empetraceae. Hymenoscyphus (Pezizella) ericae was the first fungal species identified as an ericaceous endosymbiont.
All the above fungi live in symbiosis with its host plant and has nothing to do with decaying matter!
Fungi are often thought just live on dead matter but anyone who had thrush, can attest to the fact that fungi, can and does, live on living matter too!