Hydnophytum formicarum (Ant Plant)

Hydnophytum formicarum (Ant Plant) thick brown bulb green leaves orange fruit on potted plant
Hydnophytum formicarum (Ant Plant) in terra cotta pot with green leaves and small orange fruit

Botanical name: Hydnophytum formicarum

Common name: Ant Plant

Family: Rubiaceae

Origin: Malaysia, Thailand

USDA Plant Hardiness MapPlant with caudexSmall plant 2-5 ftShadeWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyEpiphyte plantOrnamental foliage

A curious 'ant-plant' epiphytic shrub, with large tuberous base 4" to 5" in diameter, without spines, and inhabited by stinging ants which excavate the tuber; several branches with opposite fleshy, oval leaves and small sessile, axillary white flowers and orange berries. The caudex is hollow, and forms a perfect nest for the ants, which protect the plant, and gets home and sweet sap in exchange. It's a epiphyte, and needs a lot of moist, but not much sun. It can be reproduced both by cuttings and seeds. The caudex will get op to 1ft, the branches 2ft. The plant needs high humidity.

Similar plants: Hydnophytum formicarum (Ant Plant)




Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/hydnophytum_formicarum.htm