MYRMECODIA ERINACEA

This member of the Rubiaceae family was given this name by Odoardo Beccari in 1884. It is found around Valeton, Papua New Guinea, growing as an epiphyte with lots of water and some sun. The caudex can grow to 4,5 centimetres in diameter, the entire plant to 25 centimetres in height. The flowers are greenish blue to white.

The genera name means 'ant head'. The species name means 'like a hedgehog'. A key to the genera of the HYDNOPHYTTNAE is found on the Myrmecodia alata page.