Hydnophytum formicarum
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| Hydnophytum formicarum | |
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| Species: | H. formicarum
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| Binomial name | |
| Hydnophytum formicarum | |
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.
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
Mutualisms
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..