Accession #: 198500652
Accession Date: 1985-12-31
Common name: Hydnophytum, Ant Plant
Family: Rubiaceae
Synonym(s):
Country of Origin: Indomalaysia
Description: Plants form a symbiotic relationship with ants and fungi. Ant plants provide habitats for ant colonies high up into the forest canopy, protecting them from the elements and also predators because of the spines. Hollow, smooth-walled tunnels form within the caudex with external entrance holes, providing an above-ground home for ant colonies. Ants likewise provide defense for the plant and prevent tissue damage. Ant colonies also provide nutrients to the plants by leaving wastes within the tunnels inside the caudex. Special glands lining the tunnels then absorb nutriment for the plant. This symbiosis allows the plants to effectively gather nutrients (via the ants) from a much larger area than the roots ever could cover.2
Uses:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.
USDA Zone: 10a-11
Source: Jacks
Provenance:
name changed from Hydnophytum formicarum to H. moseleyanum - visit/consultation with Frank Omilian.
Restrictions:
Culture:
See Plummer, N., <a href="plummer.html">Cultivation of the epiphytic ant-plants Hydnophytum and Myrmecodia</a>, Cactus and Succulent Journal 72:142-147 (2000)