Insectivorous plants have gotten a good bit of attention around here, but what about the plants that share mutualistic relationships with our beloved spineless wonders, particularly ants?
From Wikipedia, describing the relationship of Hydnophytum and Myrmecodia species to ants:
"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, swarming to defend their home if disturbed. Ant colonies also provide nutrients to the plants by leaving wastes within the tunnels inside the caudex. Special glands lining the tunnels then absorb nutrients 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."
Here's a couple of the plants I grow. They're not too impressive yet; in fact, not a single gallery opening is visible yet. But with some time and patience, they'll surely be spectacular. Young Hydnophytum formicarium (left foreground) and Hydnophytum simplex (center foreground) I purchased from ebay a few weeks ago:
Myrmecodia tuberosa:
I'm also growing a H. formicarium from seed, another H. simplex, and H. mosleyanum.
Post yours! I'd love to see some plants from other genera! And in situ pictures would be great! :biggrin:
From Wikipedia, describing the relationship of Hydnophytum and Myrmecodia species to ants:
"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, swarming to defend their home if disturbed. Ant colonies also provide nutrients to the plants by leaving wastes within the tunnels inside the caudex. Special glands lining the tunnels then absorb nutrients 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."
Here's a couple of the plants I grow. They're not too impressive yet; in fact, not a single gallery opening is visible yet. But with some time and patience, they'll surely be spectacular. Young Hydnophytum formicarium (left foreground) and Hydnophytum simplex (center foreground) I purchased from ebay a few weeks ago:
Myrmecodia tuberosa:
I'm also growing a H. formicarium from seed, another H. simplex, and H. mosleyanum.
Post yours! I'd love to see some plants from other genera! And in situ pictures would be great! :biggrin: