MYRMECODIA ECHINATA

This member of the Rubiaceae family was described by Charles Gaudichaud-Beaupré in 1830 - unless it is by Ferdinand Jacob Heinrich von Mueller in 1877 - or Friedrich Anton Wilhelm Miquel in 1857/1869 - or Franz Antoine in 1882. It is found in the rainforests of Malaysia. It is an epiphyte, needs lots of water but not much sun. The caudex will grow to 16-25 centimetres in diameter, the stems can reach for 50-75 centimetres. The tiny flowers are white, and the plant can only be reproduced by seeds.

The genera name means 'ant head'. The species name for the spines the caudex is covered in. The caudex is hollow, and host ants. Those ants isn't 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. SubFamily: Rubioideae Tribe: Psychotrieae SubTribe: Hydnophytinae These were tagged Myrmecodia echinata in Kiel BG.