MYRMECODIA PLATYTYREA

This member of the Rubiaceae family was described by Odoardo Beccari in 1884. It is found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea and Cape York, Australia. It is an epiphyte, needs lots of water but not much sun. The caudex will grow to 20 centimetres in diameter, the stems can reach for 30 centimetres. The flowers are white (15 or 16 mm long), and the plant can only be reproduced by seeds.

The genera name means 'ant head'. The species name from Grek platys; 'flat', and probably Greek tyros; 'cheese', perhaps for the tuber. It was introduced by Odoardo Beccari in Malesia Raccolta... 2: 115. 1884 - which I fail to understand (Italian?).