TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA


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Hydnophytum sp., Ant Plant

Hydnophytum sp.

Ant Plant
Family: Rubiaceae
Origin: Southeastern Asia
Plant with caudexSmall plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeShadeModerate waterWhite, off-white flowersPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds

Hydnophytum provide habitats for ant colonies high up into the forest canopy, protecting them from the elements and also predators because of the spines. 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.

Species:

Hydnophytum formicarum

Hydnophytum moseleyanum

Hydnophytum papuanum


Similar plants:




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