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.

Hydnophytum formicarum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Hydnophytum
Species:
H. formicarum
Binomial name
Hydnophytum formicarum

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..


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