MYRMECODIA ARMATA

This member of the Rubiaceae family was given this name by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1830. It is found in southern Asia and north-eastern Australia, growing on the trees on the savannah. Some water and some to lots of sun, and it will grow to 25 centimetres in height, with a caudex on 15 centimetres. The flowers are small and white, and seeds are the only way of reproducing.

The genera name means 'ant head'. The specie is name for the spines. The caudex is hollow, and host ants. Those ants are not aggressive, and do little to defend the plant. The might just bring nutrients to it. On the other hand, the plant does not feed them like other Rubiaceaes. A key to the genera of the HYDNOPHYTTNAE is found on the Myrmecodia alata page. Synonyms: Lasiostoma tuberosum (Jack) Spreng. Myrmecodia amboinensis Becc. Myrmecodia apoensis Elmer Myrmecodia armata DC. Myrmecodia bullosa Becc. Myrmecodia dahlii K.Schum. Myrmecodia echinata F.Muell. Myrmecodia echinata Gaudich. Myrmecodia goramensis Becc. Myrmecodia hispida A.Rich. Myrmecodia inermis DC. Myrmecodia kandariensis Becc. Myrmecodia lanceolata Valeton Myrmecodia menadensis Becc. Myrmecodia muelleri Becc. Myrmecodia oninensis Becc. Myrmecodia paucispina Valeton Myrmecodia peekelii Valeton Myrmecodia pentasperma K.Schum. Myrmecodia pulvinata Becc. Myrmecodia rumphii Becc. Myrmecodia salomonensis Becc. Myrmecodia sibuyanensis Elmer Myrmecodia sorsogonensis Elmer Myrmecodia tuberosa Becc. ex Treub Myrmecodia urdanetensis Elmer Myrmecodia vivipara Warb.