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..