Monolena primuliflora

Monolena primuliflora is a member of the Melastomataceae family, native to Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. It typically grows as an epiphyte on larger trees, but can also be found lithophthically (on rocks). It has beautiful, olive-green leaves, up to 25 cm long and 15 cm wide, with red markings. The undersides of the leaves are also red.

Even young plants develop a thickened stem that can grow remarkably quickly, developing into a substantial caudex after just one or two years. In older plants, the caudex can weigh several kilograms and reach a diameter of 40 cm or more! It is irregularly shaped and remains rather flat. Unlike the myrmecodomen ant plants ( Hydnophytum , Myrmecodia, etc.), the caudex of Monolena does not typically serve as a dwelling cavity for ants; there are no suitable entrances or hollows within it (see also the original species description ). However, this plant does appear to be associated with ants through the formation of so-called "pearls." These protein-rich secretions are produced across the entire surface and serve as a food source for ants. Pearlls are also found in many other plants, such as Piper . Contrary to popular belief, the impressively thickened, prostrate stem thus serves the classic purpose of storing starch and water to survive a dry period.

Even though it doesn't host ants, * M. primuliflora* is beautiful and, above all, easy to care for. Including its leaves, it can reach a diameter of just over 1 meter. Under good (tropical) conditions, it grows very quickly and can reach this size in just 2 or 3 years! It produces numerous pink flowers that grow above the leaves and bloom sequentially.



You will receive a young plant in a 7cm square pot (4th and 5th picture in the gallery).