Mycorrhiza is a naturally occurring fungus that increases a plant's ability to uptake nutrients and water. In this symbiotic relationship, the mycorrhiza colonizes the plant's roots and increases the surface absorbing area 10 to 700 times. The plant channels sugars to feed the fungi which sends nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients back to the plant. This mutually beneficial relationship is said to be around 460 million years old and coincides with plant colonization of land. It is believed that around 95% of plants are mycorrhizal. It is safe to say that mycorrhizae are a crucial part of a complete soil ecosystem.