Hydnophytum formicarum/Ant Plant

Hydnophytum formicarum / Hydnophytum formicarum
Hanging specimens of the ant plant
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Hanging specimens of the ant plant

Foliage and fleshy aerial tuber

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Scientific Name: Hydnophytum formicarum
Common Name: Ant Plant
Plant Type: Evergreen
Leaf Type: Broadleaf
Hardiness Zone: 10, 11 Determine Your Zone
Height: 2- 5 feet
Spread: 2 -3 feet
Bloom time: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Flower color: White
Fruit present: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Fruit color: Red
Drainage: Well drained, Moist,
Rate of Growth: Slow
Water Requirement: Medium
Maintenance Level: Low
Susceptible to insects
and diseases:
No
Comments: The lower stem is tuber-like with chambers formed within which attract ants to colonize the structure. There is symbiotic or mutually beneficial relations between ant and plant. The plant provides a protective home and food for the ants. The ants protect it from herbivores which might eat it, and ants also supply nutrients from their waste materials.