Abstract: The microstructure and ultrastructure of mycorrhizal root of Cymbidum sinenese (Andr.) Wild were studied. The results showed that this species possesses the typical root structure of orchids. There is no passage cells in the exodermis of root. Mycorrhizal fungi invade into the cortex by destroying the velamen and exodermal cells, and form pelotons in cortical cells. The hyphae colonizing cortical cells were separated from the cortical cells by electron- lucent material and cortical cell plasma membrane and digested. They often gathered to form clumps. Localization of acid phosphatase revealed that this enzyme possessed higher activity in the cortical cells containing hyphae. Many products of it also occurred on cortical cell plasma membrane surrounding hyphae and degenerated hyphae cell wall. Higher acid phosphatase activity was observed in many vesicles in the cortical cells infected by fimgi. These enzyme vesicles gathered around the invaded hy-phae and often fused with each other, or with cortical cell plasma membrane surrounding hyphae to digest these hyphae. It means cortical cells were able to release hydrolytic enzyme to digest the invaded hyphae.

Key words: Cymidium sinense