Kingdom Plantae Family Rubiaceae Rank Species | Order Gentianales Genus Hydnophytum
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Similar Hydnophytum, Myrmecodia tuberosa, Myrmecodia, Myrmecodia beccarii, Myrmephytum | ||
Hydnophytum formicarum is a species in the genus Hydnophytum, thus making it an epiphyte and a myrmecophyte. It is native to Southeast Asia and is considered critically endangered in Singapore.
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Description
This epiphyte grows a tuber also known as a caudex, that is spineless and contains chambers; many of which are connected to one another. These tubers may grow 10-55 cm in diameter with two to four stems that reach about 60 cm long. The leaves, which grow 4-15 cm long and 2-7 cm wide, are opposite, elliptical and have a leathery texture. Flowers are four-merous, white, and occur in groups of 3-10, which then yield orange, fleshy fruits 6-7 mm in diameter
Ants
Ants that have been reported to be inhabiting this myrmecophyte include: Iridomyrmex cordatus, Camponotus spp., Crematogaster spp., Monomorium spp., Tapinoma spp., and Paratrechina spp..
