It forms a mutualistic relationship with Dichanthelium lanuginosum (panic grass) and Curvularia thermal tolerance virus that allows the grass to grow in soils that are far warmer than it normally tolerates.
When it is colonised by the fungus Curvularia protuberata and the fungus is in turn colonised by a particular virus, the grass is able to tolerate soil temperatures of up to 65°C that would otherwise be lethal.