Notes on the origin of inertinite macerals in coals: Funginite associations with cutinite and suberinite

The association of fungus with plant leaves and roots is ubiquitous. While many of these occurrences are considered to be pathogenic, mycorrhizzal fungal associations with roots are essential for plant growth. Despite the common knowledge of such relationships in plant science, with a few exceptions, the fungus/leaf/root/stem association as the macerals funginite, cutinite, and suberinite in coals has not been extensively studied. In this work, examples of funginite associations with cutinite and suberinite are discussed. ?? 2010 Elsevier B.V.