Most orchid species have a symbiotic relationship with the natural fungi found in their roots. The plants provide the fungi with sugar through photosynthesis and the orchids receive important water and minerals from the fungi. However, some have generally stopped photosynthesis and only feed on the fungi instead.

Some orchids have evolved a unique parasitic lifestyle, abandoning full reliance on photosynthesis in favor of extracting nutrients from fungi. Oreorchis patens serves as a fascinating case, capable of both photosynthesis and fungal parasitism.