{"title":"Ant plants","description":"\u003cp\u003eHere you will find all plants that have a close association with ants in nature (myrmecophily).\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"hydnophytum-formicarum","title":"Hydnophytum formicarum","description":"The nominate form of \u003cem\u003e*Hydnophytum formicarum*\u003c\/em\u003e , which is a highly variable species. A typical distinguishing feature from members of the \u003cem\u003e*moseleyanum\u003c\/em\u003e * group is the number of parallel leaf veins: in \u003cem\u003e*H. formicarum*\u003c\/em\u003e there are 6-12, while in \u003cem\u003e*H. moseleyanum*\u003c\/em\u003e there are only about 3-4. Typically, the caudex of \u003cem\u003e*H. formicarum*\u003c\/em\u003e remains less than 10 cm tall, but can grow to over 30 cm wide. The surface is rather smooth with some ridges running down the caudex. The plant usually branches profusely but only reaches a total height of about 50 cm. Aerial roots are few and far between. The leaves are very thick and leathery to the touch.\u003cbr\u003e The small, white flowers have four petals, remain open for several days, and can be seen practically year-round. After a short time, the flowers develop into red fruits containing fertile seeds, which remain on the plant for some time. It has a wide distribution area from Myanmar through Borneo and the Philippines to the Moluccas.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eA very rewarding vivarium plant. One of the few ant plants that, after acclimatization, are also suitable as a houseplant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [porto_content_box border_top_color=\"#1e764d\" border_radius=\"2\" border_top_width=\"2\" align=\"left\"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [expand Title=\" \u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ant Plants\u003c\/strong\u003e \"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eHydnophytum\u003c\/em\u003e are so-called \"ant plants\" from the Rubiaceae family. They are widespread from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to the Solomon Islands, and usually grow epiphytically on trees. They belong to the myrmecodomen ant plants, meaning they provide nesting sites for ants. Their thickened stem, also called a \"caudex,\" is riddled with numerous tunnels and chambers inhabited by specialized ants, mostly from the genus \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e . The ants do not create the chambers or the entrances themselves; these are formed solely by the plant, regardless of whether ants are present or not.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe plant has a mutually beneficial relationship with the ants that live in it. The ants protect the plant and their nest, and fertilize it with leftover food, droppings, and other waste. The plant contains several different types of chambers: some with smooth walls and others with warty walls. The warty chambers, in particular, are specially adapted for absorbing nutrients. The ants use the smooth chambers for nesting and the warty chambers as a waste disposal site, thus supplying the plant with nutrients. In some highly specialized ant-inhabiting plants, the ants even pollinate the flowers and plant the seedlings!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOver many years, the colonies of ants and ant-attracting plants spread across a tree, and other epiphytes associated with ants, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=hoya\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoya\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e , \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=dischidia\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003eDischidia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003eLecanopteris\u003c\/em\u003e , and orchids, also join them. A so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant garden\u003c\/a\u003e \" is created.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Not every ant-friendly plant is actually inhabited by ants in nature. In fact, there are numerous species where ants have never been detected! This also means that no ant-friendly plant necessarily needs an ant colony to survive or thrive. All of our cultivated ant-friendly plants are, of course, ant-free! The caudex forms exactly the same way as it does in nature, even without ants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/expand]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/porto_content_box]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eYou will receive a young plant in a 5.5 cm pot. See the third image in the gallery.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e You will receive a young plant in a 5.5cm pot (see picture 3 in the gallery).","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"small","offer_id":56318938317177,"sku":"Hydno001a","price":8.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"large","offer_id":56318938349945,"sku":"Hydno001b","price":14.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Hydnophytum-formicarum-04.jpg?v=1764903888"},{"product_id":"hydnophytum-moseleyanum","title":"Hydnophytum moseleyanum","description":"A large species with a pear-shaped caudex. \u003cem\u003eHydnophytum moseleyanum\u003c\/em\u003e is a highly variable species, which now also includes \u003cem\u003eH. papuanum\u003c\/em\u003e . A typical distinguishing feature from representatives of the Formicaum group is the number of parallel leaf veins: \u003cem\u003eH. formicarum\u003c\/em\u003e has 6-12, while \u003cem\u003eH. moseleyanum\u003c\/em\u003e has only about 3-4. \u003cbr\u003eTypically, the caudex is taller than it is wide, reaching a substantial size of up to approximately 30 x 45 cm. It has a very smooth, regular surface without any significant bumps or holes. The plant branches out at the top of the caudex, reaching a total height of over 70 cm. Aerial roots are few and far between. The leaves are thick, yellowish-green, and leathery to the touch.\u003cbr\u003e The small white flowers have four petals, remain open for several days, and can be seen practically all year round. After a short time, the flowers develop into orange-red fruits containing fertile seeds, which remain on the plant for some time.\u003cbr\u003e Wide distribution area from the Philippines to the Solomon Islands.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e General: Ant plants from the Rubiaceae family (subfamily Hydnophytinae) have undergone fascinating adaptations to their habitat. \u003cbr\u003eThey live epiphytically on trees in Southeast Asia and, like orchids and other epiphytic plants, depend on regular rain and the supply of nutrients.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e These plants have overcome nutrient scarcity through a mutualistic relationship with ants. The greatly thickened stem (here the hypocotyl) is riddled with numerous chambers that serve as a safe haven for the ants. Some of these chambers are capable of absorbing nutrients, which the ants continuously replenish. The caudex also serves as a water reservoir for dry days. In older specimens, the thickened stem can measure up to 50 cm or more. However, the plants are not dependent on the presence of ants, as they can easily be cultivated and brought to flower without them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The flowers can self-pollinate, so there are always small red berries hanging on the branches.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A very rewarding vivarium plant. After acclimatization, it is also suitable as a houseplant.","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":56318938415481,"sku":"Hydno002-S","price":9.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":56318938448249,"sku":"Hydno002-M","price":19.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":56318938481017,"sku":"Hydno002-L","price":29.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/20210408_132448.jpg?v=1764903910"},{"product_id":"dischidiopsis-lanceolata","title":"Dischidia lanceolata","description":"The pointed-leaved urn plant is rare, but very attractive due to its slender appearance.\u003cbr\u003e Slightly slower in growth than other \u003cem\u003eDischidia\u003c\/em\u003e .\u003cbr\u003e Suitable as a hanging or climbing plant.","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56318938644857,"sku":"Disch002","price":12.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Dischidia-lanceolata-00-1.jpg?v=1764903933"},{"product_id":"myrmecodia-tuberosa","title":"Myrmecodia tuberosa","description":"\u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia tuberosa\u003c\/em\u003e is an ant plant with a very large distribution area. It occurs from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to the Solomon Islands. The different populations within its range vary considerably. There are forms with a smooth caudex, those with warts and spines, those with bizarre arrangements of holes, and even forms that have no visible entrances for ants at all. Because of this great diversity, it is difficult to classify taxonomically. Some authors consider the different forms to be separate species or subspecies.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe form offered here (as seen in the pictures of the mature plant) develops a spiny caudex with simple spines arranged in loose rows. Mature plants also feature regular bumps on the caudex, along the edges of which are entrances for ants. \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia tuberosa\u003c\/em\u003e is an epiphyte and only grows upright as a young plant. In nature, the elongated caudex is horizontal or hanging, and the plant should be supported in this position to ensure good growth.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eAs is typical for \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia,\u003c\/em\u003e the plant usually has only one main stem, which grows longer and thicker but branches little or not at all. The shield-shaped structures on the stem are striking. These are called clypeoli. They often have spines or hairs along their edges. The leaves, up to 40 cm long and about 15 cm wide, grow from the front end of the clypeoli. The flowers emerge from the alveoli between the clypeoli. These depressions in the stem protect the developing, delicate flowers until they are ready to open. The flowers are white, about 5 to 8 mm in size, and only open for a few days. After a short time, elongated, orange fruits develop from the flowers.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia tuberosa\u003c\/em\u003e can grow impressively large. \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.northqueenslandplants.com\/images\/Tozer's%20Gap,%20Iron%20Range%20GPS%201453%20RF%20-%20%20Myrmecodia%20tuberosa%20%20FN%202092%20(3).JPG\"\u003eVery old specimens\u003c\/a\u003e have a caudex up to 75 cm long and 30 cm thick and weigh over 10 kg, although they naturally have many air-filled chambers inside.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia tuberosa\u003c\/em\u003e grows quickly with proper care and is a good ant plant for beginners. It is best kept in a terrarium or plant display case, but can also be kept as a houseplant after acclimatization.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [porto_content_box border_top_color=\"#1e764d\" border_radius=\"2\" border_top_width=\"2\" align=\"left\"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [expand Title=\" \u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ant Plants\u003c\/strong\u003e \"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia\u003c\/em\u003e are so-called \"ant plants\" from the Rubiaceae family. They are widespread from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to the Solomon Islands, and mostly grow epiphytically on trees. They belong to the myrmecodomen ant plants, meaning they provide nesting sites for ants. Their thickened stem, also called a \"caudex,\" is riddled with numerous tunnels and chambers inhabited by specialized ants, mostly from the genus \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e . The ants do not create the chambers or the entrances themselves; these are formed solely by the plant, regardless of whether ants are present or not.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe plant has a mutually beneficial relationship with the ants that live in it. The ants protect the plant and their nest, and fertilize it with leftover food, droppings, and other waste. The plant contains several different types of chambers: some with smooth walls and others with warty walls. The warty chambers, in particular, are specially adapted for absorbing nutrients. The ants use the smooth chambers for nesting and the warty chambers as a waste disposal site, thus supplying the plant with nutrients. In some highly specialized ant-inhabiting plants, the ants even pollinate the flowers and plant the seedlings!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOver many years, the colonies of ants and ant-attracting plants spread across a tree, and other epiphytes associated with ants, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=hoya\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoya\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e , \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=dischidia\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003eDischidia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003eLecanopteris\u003c\/em\u003e , and orchids, also join them. A so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant garden\u003c\/a\u003e \" is created.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Not every ant-friendly plant is actually inhabited by ants in nature. In fact, there are numerous species where ants have never been detected! This also means that no ant-friendly plant necessarily needs an ant colony to survive or thrive. All of our cultivated ant-friendly plants are, of course, ant-free! The caudex forms exactly the same way as it does in nature, even without ants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/expand]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/porto_content_box]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eYou will receive a young plant in a 5.5cm pot (see picture 3 in the gallery). \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia\u003c\/em\u003e plants develop corky growths on their leaves. These are not pests!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56318968234361,"sku":"Myr001","price":19.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Myrmecodia-tuberosa-Standard-03.jpg?v=1764905098"},{"product_id":"hydnophytum-puffii-perangustum","title":"Hydnophytum puffii (= sp. 'Needle leaf')","description":"This small ant plant originates from Sarawak and Sabah (Borneo, Malaysia). It is a very small \u003cem\u003eHydnophytum\u003c\/em\u003e species, perhaps the smallest described ant plant species! The caudex is rounded and smooth, only exceptionally reaching a diameter of approximately 10 cm, but usually remaining at 5–7 cm. It typically has no visible entrances, as these face the substrate and are thus hidden from view. The narrow, almost needle-like leaves are particularly striking. Before its description as a new species in 2016 by Low, Sugau \u0026amp; Wong, it was therefore known in the hobby as \"sp. Needle Leaf\".\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The branches grow to about 20 to 30 cm long, but can be kept smaller through regular pruning. The species branches profusely and can therefore be pruned without any problems.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe flowers are tiny, about 3 to 5 mm in size and white. They are only open for one day, and small berries, about 5 mm in size, develop from them, which are red when ripe.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Due to its small size and compact growth, it is an ideal terrarium plant for anyone looking to acquire a truly unusual rarity. Its narrow leaves are unique among lowland ant plants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [porto_content_box border_top_color=\"#1e764d\" border_radius=\"2\" border_top_width=\"2\" align=\"left\"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [expand Title=\" \u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ant Plants\u003c\/strong\u003e \"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHydnophytum\u003c\/em\u003e are so-called \"ant plants\" from the Rubiaceae family. They are widespread from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to the Solomon Islands, and usually grow epiphytically on trees. They belong to the myrmecodomen ant plants, meaning they provide nesting sites for ants. Their thickened stem, also called a \"caudex,\" is riddled with numerous tunnels and chambers inhabited by specialized ants, mostly from the genus \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e . The ants do not create the chambers or the entrances themselves; these are formed solely by the plant, regardless of whether ants are present or not.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe plant has a mutually beneficial relationship with the ants that live in it. The ants protect the plant and their nest, and fertilize it with leftover food, droppings, and other waste. The plant contains several different types of chambers: some with smooth walls and others with warty walls. The warty chambers, in particular, are specially adapted for absorbing nutrients. The ants use the smooth chambers for nesting and the warty chambers as a waste disposal site, thus supplying the plant with nutrients. In some highly specialized ant-inhabiting plants, the ants even pollinate the flowers and plant the seedlings!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOver many years, the colonies of ants and ant-attracting plants spread across a tree, and other epiphytes associated with ants, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=hoya\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoya\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e , \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=dischidia\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003eDischidia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003eLecanopteris\u003c\/em\u003e , and orchids, also join them. A so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant garden\u003c\/a\u003e \" is created.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Not every ant-friendly plant is actually inhabited by ants in nature. In fact, there are numerous species where ants have never been detected! This also means that no ant-friendly plant necessarily needs an ant colony to survive or thrive. All of our cultivated ant-friendly plants are, of course, ant-free! The caudex forms exactly the same way as it does in nature, even without ants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/expand]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/porto_content_box]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eYou will receive a young plant in a 5.5cm pot (see picture 3 in the gallery).","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56318968267129,"sku":"Hydno003","price":24.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Hydnophytum-puffii-09.jpg?v=1764905124"},{"product_id":"myrmecodia-aff-platytyrea","title":"Myrmecodia aff. platytyrea","description":"We received this ant plant as * \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia echinata*\u003c\/em\u003e , however, according to current taxonomy, \u003cem\u003e*M. echinata*\u003c\/em\u003e is not recognized as a separate species and is listed as a synonym of \u003cem\u003e*Myrmecodia tuberosa*\u003c\/em\u003e . Our plants are certainly not * \u003cem\u003eM. tuberosa*\u003c\/em\u003e ; they bear a much greater resemblance to \u003cem\u003e*Myrmecodia platytyrea\u003c\/em\u003e *. The upright, unbranched growth habit and the clearly defined scales at the leaf bases are characteristic, as is the spiny caudex. The flowers are white and four-petaled, the fruits long and orange.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia platytyrea\u003c\/em\u003e is known from Papua New Guinea and northern Queensland.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e General: Ant plants from the Rubiaceae family (subfamily Hydnophytinae) have undergone fascinating adaptations to their habitat.\u003cbr\u003e They live epiphytically on trees in Southeast Asia and, like orchids and other epiphytic plants, depend on regular rain and the supply of nutrients.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThese plants have overcome nutrient scarcity through a mutualistic relationship with ants. The greatly thickened stem (here the hypocotyl) is riddled with numerous chambers that serve as a safe haven for the ants. Some of these chambers are capable of absorbing nutrients, which the ants continuously replenish. The caudex also serves as a water reservoir for dry days. In older specimens, the thickened stem can measure up to 50 cm or more. However, the plants are not dependent on the presence of ants, as they can easily be cultivated and brought to flower without them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In most species, the flowers can self-pollinate, so there are always small red berries hanging on the branches.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A very rewarding vivarium plant. After acclimatization, it can also be grown as a houseplant. In a 5 cm pot.","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319046680953,"sku":"Myr002","price":19.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Myrmecodia-echinata-05.jpg?v=1764909958"},{"product_id":"dischidia-platyphylla","title":"Dischidia platyphylla","description":"\u003cem\u003eDischidia platyphylla\u003c\/em\u003e originates from the Philippines and French Polynesia.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIn nature, it grows epiphytically on larger trees, and older plants can form dense mats around the trunks. Its round, surprisingly thick leaves press tightly against the substrate, anchoring themselves with numerous aerial roots. The leaves then curl slightly upwards, creating a small cavity beneath them. This cavity retains moisture, providing the plant with water during extended dry periods. Trees densely covered with \u003cem\u003eDischidia platyphylla\u003c\/em\u003e look somewhat as if they have a nasty, green rash.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOnce \u003cem\u003eDischidia platyphylla\u003c\/em\u003e reaches a certain size, it develops so-called \"urn leaves.\" These are larger and usually don't lie flat against a support, but rather bend until they form a hollow sphere. Small, defensive ants then move into these urn leaves, protecting their new home and, consequently, the plant itself. Some roots also grow into the urn leaves. The plant uses these roots to absorb nutrients carried back to the nest by the ants. However, these nutrients are not, as is often claimed, ant excrement (ants are too clever to defecate in their own nest), but rather small amounts of dust and soil that the ants carry back to the nest on their feet. \u003cem\u003eDischidia platyphylla\u003c\/em\u003e thus essentially forms its own flowerpot.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIt can also be grown indoors as a hanging plant, but this way you don't really see its cool lifestyle and growth habit. We therefore strongly recommend giving it a piece of wood or cork for it to climb on ;)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e It blooms with small, pink\/white flowers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e You will receive a plant in a 10 cm pot with several shoots (of course without ants).","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319067292025,"sku":"Disch004","price":15.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Dischidia-platyphylla-01.jpg?v=1764911840"},{"product_id":"monolena-primuliflora","title":"Monolena primuliflora","description":"\u003cem\u003eMonolena primuliflora\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eEven 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 ( \u003cem\u003eHydnophytum\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia,\u003c\/em\u003e etc.), the caudex of \u003cem\u003eMonolena\u003c\/em\u003e does not typically serve as a dwelling cavity for ants; there are no suitable entrances or hollows within it (see also the original \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/item\/14372#page\/20\/mode\/2up\"\u003especies description\u003c\/a\u003e ). 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 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=Piper\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePiper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e . Contrary to popular belief, the impressively thickened, prostrate stem thus serves the classic purpose of storing starch and water to survive a dry period.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eEven though it doesn't host ants, * \u003cem\u003eM. primuliflora*\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e You will receive a young plant in a 7cm square pot (4th and 5th picture in the gallery).","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319094751609,"sku":"Monl001","price":14.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Monolena-primuliflora-03.jpg?v=1764913901"},{"product_id":"hydnophytum-radicans-simplex","title":"Hydnophytum radicans (ex. simplex)","description":"\u003cem\u003eHydnophytum radicans,\u003c\/em\u003e formerly known as \u003cem\u003eHydnophytum simplex\u003c\/em\u003e (although its taxonomy is not yet definitively settled), originates from Papua New Guinea. The species is widespread, occurring from lowland savannahs to montane rainforests up to 1800 meters above sea level. \u003cem\u003eH. radicans\u003c\/em\u003e is likely a species complex comprising several closely related species. This species is very robust, grows quickly, and reaches a large size.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The caudex can reach up to 60 cm in diameter, and individual branches can grow up to 150 cm long. The leathery leaves are 15 to 25 cm long and up to 10 cm wide. A particularly striking feature compared to other ant plants is how smooth the caudex is. Hydnophytum simplex has only a few, but large, entrance holes in the caudex. These are often facing the substrate and therefore not visible.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe flowers are white and borne on dichotomously branched (sometimes asymmetrical) stems that branch 1-4 times. New flowers can continuously appear at the ends of the flower stems, causing them to become quite long over time. The berries are small, round, and red.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eHydnophytum radicans\u003c\/em\u003e is a very fast-growing species. Larger specimens can easily be kept as houseplants. Young plants should be kept in terrariums or plant cabinets until the caudex is approximately the size of a golf ball.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [porto_content_box border_top_color=\"#1e764d\" border_radius=\"2\" border_top_width=\"2\" align=\"left\"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [expand Title=\" \u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ant Plants\u003c\/strong\u003e \"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHydnophytum\u003c\/em\u003e are so-called \"ant plants\" from the Rubiaceae family. They are widespread from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to the Solomon Islands, and usually grow epiphytically on trees. They belong to the myrmecodomen ant plants, meaning they provide nesting sites for ants. Their thickened stem, also called a \"caudex,\" is riddled with numerous tunnels and chambers inhabited by specialized ants, mostly from the genus \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e . The ants do not create the chambers or the entrances themselves; these are formed solely by the plant, regardless of whether ants are present or not.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe plant has a mutually beneficial relationship with the ants that live in it. The ants protect the plant and their nest, and fertilize it with leftover food, droppings, and other waste. The plant contains several different types of chambers: some with smooth walls and others with warty walls. The warty chambers, in particular, are specially adapted for absorbing nutrients. The ants use the smooth chambers for nesting and the warty chambers as a waste disposal site, thus supplying the plant with nutrients. In some highly specialized ant-inhabiting plants, the ants even pollinate the flowers and plant the seedlings!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOver many years, the colonies of ants and ant-attracting plants spread across a tree, and other epiphytes associated with ants, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=hoya\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoya\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e , \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=dischidia\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003eDischidia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003eLecanopteris\u003c\/em\u003e , and orchids, also join them. A so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant garden\u003c\/a\u003e \" is created.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Not every ant-friendly plant is actually inhabited by ants in nature. In fact, there are numerous species where ants have never been detected! This also means that no ant-friendly plant necessarily needs an ant colony to survive or thrive. All of our cultivated ant-friendly plants are, of course, ant-free! The caudex forms exactly the same way as it does in nature, even without ants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/expand]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/porto_content_box]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eYou will receive a young plant in a 5.5cm pot (see picture 3 in the gallery).","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319102026105,"sku":"Hydno004","price":14.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Hydnophytum-radicans-06.jpg?v=1764914201"},{"product_id":"pachycentria","title":"Pachycentria spec.","description":"This extraordinary member of the Melastomataceae family originates from Southeast Asia. \u003cem\u003ePachycentria\u003c\/em\u003e are epiphytic and often grow on other epiphytes, especially other ant-loving plants (e.g., \u003cem\u003eHydnophytum\u003c\/em\u003e ). As they mature, they develop thick, woody adventitious roots with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/photos\/62415842\/original.jpeg\"\u003ebladder-like swellings\u003c\/a\u003e up to 3 cm in diameter, which are inhabited by ants.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePachycentria\u003c\/em\u003e are closely associated with certain ant species. They form so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant gardens\u003c\/a\u003e ,\" together with other myrmecophytic plants and ants from the genera \u003cem\u003eCamponotus\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e , and \u003cem\u003eCremtogaster\u003c\/em\u003e . In these gardens, the plants provide the ants with a home, feed them, and allow them to disperse their seeds. The defensive ants protect the plants. In nature, \u003cem\u003ePachycentria\u003c\/em\u003e appears to grow only in such ant gardens. Don't worry, they can easily be cultivated without ants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This species is a small, epiphytic shrub with many drooping, creeping, or upright branches and adventitious roots. The leaves grow up to 10 cm long and are thick and succulent. The species offered here has significantly larger leaves and fruits than the more commonly offered \u003cem\u003ePachycentria glauca\u003c\/em\u003e .\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eYou will receive a young plant in a 7cm pot. These young plants do not yet have thickened roots. They will only develop these after 2 to 3 years with proper care.","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319152324985,"sku":"Pac01","price":14.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Pachycentria-spec.-03.jpg?v=1764916705"},{"product_id":"hydnophytum-sp-malaysia-peninsula","title":"Hydnophytum sp. Malaysia, Peninsula","description":"This previously undescribed, small ant plant originates from the Malay Peninsula. Along with \u003cem\u003e*Hydnophytum puffii*\u003c\/em\u003e , it is one of the smallest \u003cem\u003e*Hydnophytum*\u003c\/em\u003e species. The caudex remains very flat and spreads out in a cushion-like shape, with numerous small tubercles. It reaches a height of only a few centimeters and a diameter of approximately 7 to 10 cm. The leaves also remain small, measuring about 3 to 6 cm long and 2 to 3 cm wide. The branches droop conspicuously or spread horizontally and never grow upright, as is the case with other \u003cem\u003e*Hydnophytum* species.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Due to its small final size and compact growth, it is an ideal terrarium plant for anyone who wants to acquire a truly bizarre rarity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [porto_content_box border_top_color=\"#1e764d\" border_radius=\"2\" border_top_width=\"2\" align=\"left\"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [expand Title=\" \u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ant Plants\u003c\/strong\u003e \"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHydnophytum\u003c\/em\u003e are so-called \"ant plants\" from the Rubiaceae family. They are widespread from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to the Solomon Islands, and usually grow epiphytically on trees. They belong to the myrmecodomen ant plants, meaning they provide nesting sites for ants. Their thickened stem, also called a \"caudex,\" is riddled with numerous tunnels and chambers inhabited by specialized ants, mostly from the genus \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e . The ants do not create the chambers or the entrances themselves; these are formed solely by the plant, regardless of whether ants are present or not.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe plant has a mutually beneficial relationship with the ants that live in it. The ants protect the plant and their nest, and fertilize it with leftover food, droppings, and other waste. The plant contains several different types of chambers: some with smooth walls and others with warty walls. The warty chambers, in particular, are specially adapted for absorbing nutrients. The ants use the smooth chambers for nesting and the warty chambers as a waste disposal site, thus supplying the plant with nutrients. In some highly specialized ant-inhabiting plants, the ants even pollinate the flowers and plant the seedlings!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOver many years, the colonies of ants and ant-attracting plants spread across a tree, and other epiphytes associated with ants, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=hoya\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoya\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e , \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=dischidia\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003eDischidia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003eLecanopteris\u003c\/em\u003e , and orchids, also join them. A so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant garden\u003c\/a\u003e \" is created.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Not every ant-friendly plant is actually inhabited by ants in nature. In fact, there are numerous species where ants have never been detected! This also means that no ant-friendly plant necessarily needs an ant colony to survive or thrive. All of our cultivated ant-friendly plants are, of course, ant-free! The caudex forms exactly the same way as it does in nature, even without ants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/expand]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/porto_content_box]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eYou will receive a young plant in a 5.5cm pot (see picture 3 in the gallery).","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319480234361,"sku":"Hydno005","price":19.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Hydnophytum-sp.-Malaysia-Peninsula-06.jpg?v=1764922126"},{"product_id":"hydnophytum-sp-flat-caudex","title":"Hydnophytum sp. 'Flat Caudex'","description":"This previously undescribed, small ant plant likely originates from Malaysia or Indonesia. Unfortunately, we have no more precise information about its provenance. It is a very small \u003cem\u003eHydnophytum\u003c\/em\u003e species. The caudex remains very flat and resembles a fried egg. Raised sections extend from the center to the edge, with holes at their ends. Otherwise, the caudex is smooth. In very old plants, it becomes very dark, almost black. It remains even flatter than that of the similar \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/produkt\/hydnophytum-sp-malaysia-peninsula\/\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHydnophytum sp.\u003c\/em\u003e Malaysia, Peninsula\u003c\/a\u003e . It reaches a height of only 1 to 2 centimeters and a diameter of approximately 7 to 10 centimeters. The leaves also remain small, growing to about 3 to 6 centimeters long and 2 to 3 centimeters wide. The branches spread horizontally and never grow upright.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eDue to its small final size and compact growth, it is an ideal terrarium plant for anyone who wants to acquire a truly bizarre rarity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [porto_content_box border_top_color=\"#1e764d\" border_radius=\"2\" border_top_width=\"2\" align=\"left\"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [expand Title=\" \u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ant Plants\u003c\/strong\u003e \"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eHydnophytum\u003c\/em\u003e are so-called \"ant plants\" from the Rubiaceae family. They are widespread from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to the Solomon Islands, and usually grow epiphytically on trees. They belong to the myrmecodomen ant plants, meaning they provide nesting sites for ants. Their thickened stem, also called a \"caudex,\" is riddled with numerous tunnels and chambers inhabited by specialized ants, mostly from the genus \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e . The ants do not create the chambers or the entrances themselves; these are formed solely by the plant, regardless of whether ants are present or not.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe plant has a mutually beneficial relationship with the ants that live in it. The ants protect the plant and their nest, and fertilize it with leftover food, droppings, and other waste. The plant contains several different types of chambers: some with smooth walls and others with warty walls. The warty chambers, in particular, are specially adapted for absorbing nutrients. The ants use the smooth chambers for nesting and the warty chambers as a waste disposal site, thus supplying the plant with nutrients. In some highly specialized ant-inhabiting plants, the ants even pollinate the flowers and plant the seedlings!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOver many years, the colonies of ants and ant-attracting plants spread across a tree, and other epiphytes associated with ants, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=hoya\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoya\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e , \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=dischidia\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003eDischidia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003eLecanopteris\u003c\/em\u003e , and orchids, also join them. A so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant garden\u003c\/a\u003e \" is created.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Not every ant-friendly plant is actually inhabited by ants in nature. In fact, there are numerous species where ants have never been detected! This also means that no ant-friendly plant necessarily needs an ant colony to survive or thrive. All of our cultivated ant-friendly plants are, of course, ant-free! The caudex forms exactly the same way as it does in nature, even without ants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/expand]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/porto_content_box]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eYou will receive a young plant in a 5.5cm pot (see picture 3 in the gallery).","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319481872761,"sku":"Hydno006","price":19.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Hydnophytum-sp.-Flat-Caudex-02.jpg?v=1764922153"},{"product_id":"monolena-primuliflora-midnight-glory","title":"Monolena primuliflora 'Midnight Glory'","description":"\u003cem\u003eMonolena primuliflora\u003c\/em\u003e is a member of the Melastomataceae family, native to Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. It typically grows as an epiphyte on larger trees, but is sometimes found growing lithophthically (on rocks). The spectacular cultivar 'Midnight Glory' has beautiful, very dark, glossy leaves, up to 25 cm long and 15 cm wide. They are slightly bullate (blistered) and strongly resemble \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/produkt\/anthurium-luxurians\/\"\u003eAnthurium luxurians\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e in color and texture, but are even darker. The undersides of the leaves are red.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eEven 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 ( \u003cem\u003eHydnophytum\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia,\u003c\/em\u003e etc.), the caudex of \u003cem\u003eMonolena\u003c\/em\u003e does not typically serve as a dwelling cavity for ants; there are no suitable entrances or hollows within it (see also the original \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/item\/14372#page\/20\/mode\/2up\"\u003especies description\u003c\/a\u003e ). 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 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=Piper\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePiper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e . Contrary to popular belief, the impressively thickened, prostrate stem thus serves the classic purpose of storing starch and water to survive a dry period.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eEven though it doesn't host ants, * \u003cem\u003eM. primuliflora*\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e You will receive a young plant in a 5.5cm pot.","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319498551673,"sku":"Monl002","price":14.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Monolena-primuliflora-Midnight-Glory-02.jpg?v=1764922353"},{"product_id":"anthorrhiza-recurvispina-rossel-island-png","title":"Anthorrhiza recurvispina","description":"This ant plant belongs to the little-known genus \u003cem\u003eAnthorrhiza\u003c\/em\u003e . It differs from the better-known \u003cem\u003eHydnophytum\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia\u003c\/em\u003e in the arrangement and structure of its flowers and inflorescences, combining characteristics of both genera.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eAnthorrhiza recurvispina\u003c\/em\u003e originates from southeastern Papua New Guinea. The form offered here comes from Rossel Island (Yela) in the Louisiade Archipelago (Milne Bay Province).\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe caudex of \u003cem\u003eA. recurvispina\u003c\/em\u003e is rounded to oval, rather irregularly shaped, and in nature the plant usually hangs upside down from large trees in the lowland rainforest. Its surface is covered with numerous small and occasional larger holes with raised edges. It forms a few sparse root spines on the caudex but is mostly spineless. The sparsely branched stems are robust, up to about 50 cm long, and bear thick, leathery leaves. The caudex can become enormous in nature, reaching over 50 cm in diameter! Cultivated plants tend to remain smaller.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe most striking feature of this species is its alveoli, in which the flowers grow. These alveoli are covered with numerous (but soft) spines, giving the species its name. These depressions and spines protect the developing, delicate flowers until they are ready to open. The flowers are white, about 2 cm in size, and only open for a few days. After a short time, elongated, orange fruits develop from the flowers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eAnthorrhizae\u003c\/em\u003e grow surprisingly quickly with good fertilization, often faster than many other ant plants. This bizarre, large species is a highlight in any larger terrarium or grow tent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [porto_content_box border_top_color=\"#1e764d\" border_radius=\"2\" border_top_width=\"2\" align=\"left\"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [expand Title=\" \u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ant Plants\u003c\/strong\u003e \"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnthorrhizae\u003c\/em\u003e are so-called \"ant plants\" from the Rubiaceae family. They are widespread from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to the Solomon Islands, and usually grow epiphytically on trees. They belong to the myrmecodomen ant plants, meaning they provide nesting sites for ants. Their thickened stem, also called the \"caudex,\" is riddled with numerous tunnels and chambers inhabited by specialized ants, mostly from the genus \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e . The ants do not create the chambers or the entrances themselves; these are formed solely by the plant, regardless of whether ants are present or not.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe plant has a mutually beneficial relationship with the ants that live in it. The ants protect the plant and their nest, and fertilize it with leftover food, droppings, and other waste. The plant contains several different types of chambers: some with smooth walls and others with warty walls. The warty chambers, in particular, are specially adapted for absorbing nutrients. The ants use the smooth chambers for nesting and the warty chambers as a waste disposal site, thus supplying the plant with nutrients. In some highly specialized ant-inhabiting plants, the ants even pollinate the flowers and plant the seedlings!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOver many years, the colonies of ants and ant-attracting plants spread across a tree, and other epiphytes associated with ants, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=hoya\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoya\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e , \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=dischidia\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003eDischidia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003eLecanopteris\u003c\/em\u003e , and orchids, also join them. A so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant garden\u003c\/a\u003e \" is created.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Not every ant-friendly plant is actually inhabited by ants in nature. In fact, there are numerous species where ants have never been detected! This also means that no ant-friendly plant necessarily needs an ant colony to survive or thrive. All of our cultivated ant-friendly plants are, of course, ant-free! The caudex forms exactly the same way as it does in nature, even without ants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/expand]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/porto_content_box]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eYou will receive a young plant in a 5.5cm pot (see picture 3 in the gallery).","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319525650809,"sku":"Antho001","price":34.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Anthorrhiza-recurvispina-Rossel-Island-PNG-03.jpg?v=1764922651"},{"product_id":"platycerium-madagascariense","title":"Platycerium madagascariense","description":"As the name suggests, this staghorn fern (Platycerium) originates from Madagascar. It grows in the northeast of the island on tall trees of the genus \u003cem\u003eAlbizia\u003c\/em\u003e . It appears to occur (almost?) exclusively on a single tree species, \u003cem\u003eAlbizia adianthifolia\u003c\/em\u003e . Fortunately, this is not necessary to replicate in cultivation to successfully grow the plant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003ePlatycerium madagascariense\u003c\/em\u003e is the smallest member of the genus. It usually reaches a diameter of about 15 to 20 cm, rarely up to 30 cm. It does not grow in lowland areas but at altitudes of 400 to 1100 m above sea level and therefore prefers milder temperatures to scorching heat.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIt produces two different types of leaves. First, there are the normal fronds, which in older plants bear spores; second, there are the so-called \"mantle fronds.\" The fronds of \u003cem\u003eP.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003emadagascariense\u003c\/em\u003e are simple, with one or two forks and rounded tips. The mantle fronds protect the rhizome and roots and have conspicuous bumps, making it one of the most attractive staghorn ferns. Older mantle fronds die and turn brown, but remain attached to the fern.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e These elevations likely provide habitat in nature for ants, which nest under the mantle leaves.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e It grows best when mounted or attached sideways to a substrate such as cork. This allows it to develop the shape it naturally acquires. This species should always be kept slightly moist and requires high humidity. We therefore recommend it for plant cabinets or terrariums, but not as a houseplant.","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"potted plant","offer_id":56319565037945,"sku":"Pla004-pot","price":69.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"tied-up plant","offer_id":56319565005177,"sku":"Pla004-cork","price":99.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Platycerium-madagascariense-04.jpg?v=1764923993"},{"product_id":"pachycentria-glauca","title":"Pachycentria glauca","description":"This extraordinary member of the Melastomataceae family originates from Southeast Asia. \u003cem\u003ePachycentria\u003c\/em\u003e are epiphytic and often grow on other epiphytes, especially other ant-loving plants (e.g., \u003cem\u003eHydnophytum\u003c\/em\u003e ). As they mature, they develop thick, woody adventitious roots with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com\/photos\/62415842\/original.jpeg\"\u003ebladder-like swellings\u003c\/a\u003e up to 3 cm in diameter, which are inhabited by ants.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePachycentria\u003c\/em\u003e are closely associated with certain ant species. They form so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant gardens\u003c\/a\u003e ,\" together with other myrmecophytic plants and ants from the genera \u003cem\u003eCamponotus\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e , and \u003cem\u003eCremtogaster\u003c\/em\u003e . In these gardens, the plants provide the ants with a home, feed them, and allow them to disperse their seeds. The defensive ants protect the plants. In nature, \u003cem\u003ePachycentria\u003c\/em\u003e appears to grow only in such ant gardens. Don't worry, they can easily be cultivated without ants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This species is a small, epiphytic shrub with many drooping, creeping, or upright branches and adventitious roots. The leaves are about 3 to 4 cm long and 1.5 to 2 cm wide.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e You will receive a young plant in a 7cm pot. These young plants do not yet have thickened roots. They will only develop these after 2 to 3 years with proper care.","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319572803961,"sku":"Pac02","price":14.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Pachycentria-glauca-02.jpg?v=1764924461"},{"product_id":"myrmephytum-longissimum-nabire","title":"Myrmephytum 'longissimum' (Nabire)","description":"This ant plant belongs to the little-known genus \u003cem\u003eMyrmephytum\u003c\/em\u003e . It differs from the more familiar \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia\u003c\/em\u003e in the arrangement and structure of its flowers and inflorescences, and is particularly striking due to its large, blue flowers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eThis plant\u003c\/em\u003e originates from near Nabire, in the Indonesian county of Papua Tengah in New Guinea.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMyrmephytum 'longissimum'\u003c\/em\u003e is a so-called 'nomen nudum', meaning \"naked name.\" This means that while this plant has a botanical name, there is no scientific description of the species. A plant with similar leaves, but without a known caudex or flowers, was recorded as \" \u003cem\u003eMyrmedoma longissima\u003c\/em\u003e \" on a herbarium specimen, but the identity of this plant was never definitively established, and it was never described as a species. A revision integrated the genus \u003cem\u003eMyrmedoma\u003c\/em\u003e into \u003cem\u003eMyrmephytum\u003c\/em\u003e , resulting in the new combination \" \u003cem\u003eMyrmephytum longissimum\u003c\/em\u003e .\" However, this is not a described species! In the revision of the genus by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/286933505_The_tuberous_epiphytes_of_the_Rubiaceae_3_A_revision_of_Myrmephytum_to_include_Myrmedoma\"\u003eHuxely \u0026amp; Jebb (1991),\u003c\/a\u003e it is therefore referred to as \" \u003cem\u003eMyrmephytum\u003c\/em\u003e species 1.\" Since it is now more commonly known as \u003cem\u003eM. longissimum\u003c\/em\u003e , we offer it under this (naked) name.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe caudex is elongated, with spiny ridges, and in nature the plant usually hangs upside down from large trees in the lowland rainforest. The surface is covered with numerous small holes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The long, drooping leaves are particularly striking in this species. They grow to about 45 cm long and 3 to 4 cm wide. The flowers are among the most beautiful and largest in the genus. They are blue, about 5 cm across, and only open for a few days. After a short time, elongated, orange fruits develop from the flowers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMyrmephytum\u003c\/em\u003e grow surprisingly quickly with proper fertilization. This bizarre, hanging species is a highlight in any larger terrarium or grow tent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [porto_content_box border_top_color=\"#1e764d\" border_radius=\"2\" border_top_width=\"2\" align=\"left\"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [expand Title=\" \u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ant Plants\u003c\/strong\u003e \"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMyrmephytum\u003c\/em\u003e are so-called \"ant plants\" from the Rubiaceae family. They are widespread from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to the Solomon Islands, and usually grow epiphytically on trees. They belong to the myrmecodomen ant plants, meaning they provide nesting sites for ants. Their thickened stem, also called a \"caudex,\" is riddled with numerous tunnels and chambers inhabited by specialized ants, mostly from the genus \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e . The ants do not create the chambers or the entrances themselves; these are formed solely by the plant, regardless of whether ants are present or not.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe plant has a mutually beneficial relationship with the ants that live in it. The ants protect the plant and their nest, and fertilize it with leftover food, droppings, and other waste. The plant contains several different types of chambers: some with smooth walls and others with warty walls. The warty chambers, in particular, are specially adapted for absorbing nutrients. The ants use the smooth chambers for nesting and the warty chambers as a waste disposal site, thus supplying the plant with nutrients. In some highly specialized ant-inhabiting plants, the ants even pollinate the flowers and plant the seedlings!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOver many years, the colonies of ants and ant-attracting plants spread across a tree, and other epiphytes associated with ants, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=hoya\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoya\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e , \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=dischidia\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003eDischidia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003eLecanopteris\u003c\/em\u003e , and orchids, also join them. A so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant garden\u003c\/a\u003e \" is created.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Not every ant-friendly plant is actually inhabited by ants in nature. In fact, there are numerous species where ants have never been detected! This also means that no ant-friendly plant necessarily needs an ant colony to survive or thrive. All of our cultivated ant-friendly plants are, of course, ant-free! The caudex forms exactly the same way as it does in nature, even without ants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/expand]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/porto_content_box]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eYou will receive a young plant in a 5.5cm pot (see picture 3 in the gallery).","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319601377657,"sku":"Myrm001","price":74.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Myrmephytum-longissimum-04.jpg?v=1764927014"},{"product_id":"platycerium-ridleyi","title":"Platycerium ridleyi","description":"\u003cem\u003ePlatycerium ridleyi\u003c\/em\u003e originates from Thailand and West Malesia and is one of the smaller staghorn ferns. It reaches a shield diameter of approximately 30 cm and a frond span of approximately 50 cm, but usually remains considerably smaller. The veins on its mantle fronds are conspicuously raised. In nature, it often lives with an ant colony beneath the mantle fronds, and it is assumed that these ants move through these tunnels under the fronds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The sporophylls of \u003cem\u003eP. ridelyi\u003c\/em\u003e are narrow, forked multiple times, and carried erect (rather than pendulous). The spores themselves appear on spoon-shaped projections.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIt grows best when mounted or attached sideways to a substrate such as cork. There, it can develop its characteristic antler shape. This species should be kept consistently slightly moist and requires plenty of light to thrive. Water carefully in a terrarium. If kept too moist or overwatered, this plant can quickly rot!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e You will receive a strong plant in a 13 cm orchid pot. Some will already have their first spore-bearing structures!","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319634932089,"sku":"Pla009","price":89.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Platycerium-ridleyi-01.jpg?v=1764928143"},{"product_id":"myrmecodia-cf-kutubuensis","title":"Myrmecodia cf. kutubuensis","description":"\u003cp\u003e This ant plant is also known as \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia sp.\u003c\/em\u003e 'Lake Kutubu'. It closely resembles the species \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia kutubensis\u003c\/em\u003e , described in 1993, but has significantly broader leaves than described in the literature. Therefore, we have named it \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia cf. kutubuensis\u003c\/em\u003e .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e This ant plant is found only at Lake Kutubu, the second largest lake in Papua New Guinea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e It develops an irregularly shaped, spiny caudex with unbranched, black spines arranged in loose rows. The entrances for ants into the caudex are irregularly distributed. \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia kutubuensis\u003c\/em\u003e is an epiphyte and only grows upright as a young plant. In nature, the elongated caudex is horizontal or hanging, and the plant should be supported in this position to ensure good growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eAs is typical for \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia,\u003c\/em\u003e the plant usually has only one main stem, which grows longer and thicker but branches little or not at all. In Myrmecodia kutubuensis, the stem also has spines. The flowers emerge from depressions in the stem, called alveoli. These depressions protect the developing, delicate flowers until they are ready to open. The flowers are white, about 5 to 8 mm in size, and only open for a few days. After a short time, elongated, salmon-colored fruits develop from the flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia kutubuensis\u003c\/em\u003e is a somewhat smaller Myrmecodia species. The caudex grows to about 30 cm in length and reaches a diameter of approximately 10 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003ekutubuensis\u003c\/em\u003e grows quickly with proper care. It is best kept in a terrarium or a plant display case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e [porto_content_box border_top_color=\"#1e764d\" border_radius=\"2\" border_top_width=\"2\" align=\"left\"]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003e[expand Title=\" \u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ant Plants\u003c\/strong\u003e \"]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia\u003c\/em\u003e are so-called \"ant plants\" from the Rubiaceae family. They are widespread from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to the Solomon Islands, and mostly grow epiphytically on trees. They belong to the myrmecodomen ant plants, meaning they provide nesting sites for ants. Their thickened stem, also called a \"caudex,\" is riddled with numerous tunnels and chambers inhabited by specialized ants, mostly from the genus \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e . The ants do not create the chambers or the entrances themselves; these are formed solely by the plant, regardless of whether ants are present or not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eThe plant has a mutually beneficial relationship with the ants that live in it. The ants protect the plant and their nest, and fertilize it with leftover food, droppings, and other waste. The plant contains several different types of chambers: some with smooth walls and others with warty walls. The warty chambers, in particular, are specially adapted for absorbing nutrients. The ants use the smooth chambers for nesting and the warty chambers as a waste disposal site, thus supplying the plant with nutrients. In some highly specialized ant-inhabiting plants, the ants even pollinate the flowers and plant the seedlings!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eOver many years, the colonies of ants and ant-attracting plants spread across a tree, and other epiphytes associated with ants, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=hoya\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoya\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e , \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=dischidia\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003eDischidia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003eLecanopteris\u003c\/em\u003e , and orchids, also join them. A so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant garden\u003c\/a\u003e \" is created.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Not every ant-friendly plant is actually inhabited by ants in nature. In fact, there are numerous species where ants have never been detected! This also means that no ant-friendly plant necessarily needs an ant colony to survive or thrive. All of our cultivated ant-friendly plants are, of course, ant-free! The caudex forms exactly the same way as it does in nature, even without ants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e [\/expand]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e [\/porto_content_box]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eYou will receive a young plant in a 5.5cm pot (see picture 3 in the gallery). \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia\u003c\/em\u003e plants develop corky growths on their leaves. These are not pests!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319638012281,"sku":"Myr003","price":19.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Myrmecodia-sp.-Lake-Kutubu-06.jpg?v=1764928413"},{"product_id":"myrmecodia-sp-spiny-pink-fruit","title":"Myrmecodia sp. Spiny, Pink Fruit","description":"This ant plant closely resembles \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia tuberosa\u003c\/em\u003e in the 'Papuana' form. We suspect that it is this species or form of the species. Unfortunately, this plant has no clear origin. However, the Papuana form, as the name suggests, is native to Papua New Guinea.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia tuberosa\u003c\/em\u003e is an ant plant with a very large distribution area. It occurs from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to the Solomon Islands. The different populations within its range vary considerably. There are forms with a smooth caudex, those with warts and spines, those with bizarre arrangements of holes, and even forms that have no visible entrances for ants at all. Because of this great diversity, it is difficult to classify taxonomically. Some authors consider the different forms to be separate species or subspecies.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe form offered here (shown in the pictures of the mature plant) develops a spiny caudex with simple spines arranged in loose rows. It has striking red to pink (instead of the usual orange) fruits. It also has thorns on the stem. \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia sp. '\u003c\/em\u003e Spiny, Pink Fruit' is an epiphyte and only grows upright as a young plant. In nature, the elongated caudex is horizontal or hanging, and the plant should be supported in this position to ensure good growth.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eAs is typical for \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia,\u003c\/em\u003e the plant usually has only one main stem, which grows longer and thicker but branches little or not at all. The shield-shaped structures on the stem are striking. These are called clypeoli. They often have spines or hairs along their edges. The leaves, up to 30 cm long and about 15 cm wide, grow from the front end of the clypeoli. The flowers emerge from the alveoli between the clypeoli. These depressions in the stem protect the developing, delicate flowers until they are ready to open. The flowers are white, about 5 to 8 mm in size, and only open for a few days. After a short time, elongated, red to pink fruits develop from the flowers.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia sp.\u003c\/em\u003e 'Spiny, Pink Fruit' can grow impressively large. \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.northqueenslandplants.com\/images\/Tozer's%20Gap,%20Iron%20Range%20GPS%201453%20RF%20-%20%20Myrmecodia%20tuberosa%20%20FN%202092%20(3).JPG\"\u003eVery old specimens\u003c\/a\u003e have a caudex up to 60 cm long and 20 cm thick and weigh over 5 kg, although they naturally have many air-filled chambers inside.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia sp.\u003c\/em\u003e 'Spiny, Pink Fruit' grows quickly with proper care and is a good ant plant for beginners. It is best kept in a terrarium or a plant display case.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [porto_content_box border_top_color=\"#1e764d\" border_radius=\"2\" border_top_width=\"2\" align=\"left\"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [expand Title=\" \u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ant Plants\u003c\/strong\u003e \"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia\u003c\/em\u003e are so-called \"ant plants\" from the Rubiaceae family. They are widespread from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to the Solomon Islands, and mostly grow epiphytically on trees. They belong to the myrmecodomen ant plants, meaning they provide nesting sites for ants. Their thickened stem, also called a \"caudex,\" is riddled with numerous tunnels and chambers inhabited by specialized ants, mostly from the genus \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e . The ants do not create the chambers or the entrances themselves; these are formed solely by the plant, regardless of whether ants are present or not.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe plant has a mutually beneficial relationship with the ants that live in it. The ants protect the plant and their nest, and fertilize it with leftover food, droppings, and other waste. The plant contains several different types of chambers: some with smooth walls and others with warty walls. The warty chambers, in particular, are specially adapted for absorbing nutrients. The ants use the smooth chambers for nesting and the warty chambers as a waste disposal site, thus supplying the plant with nutrients. In some highly specialized ant-inhabiting plants, the ants even pollinate the flowers and plant the seedlings!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOver many years, the colonies of ants and ant-attracting plants spread across a tree, and other epiphytes associated with ants, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=hoya\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoya\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e , \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=dischidia\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003eDischidia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003eLecanopteris\u003c\/em\u003e , and orchids, also join them. A so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant garden\u003c\/a\u003e \" is created.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Not every ant-friendly plant is actually inhabited by ants in nature. In fact, there are numerous species where ants have never been detected! This also means that no ant-friendly plant necessarily needs an ant colony to survive or thrive. All of our cultivated ant-friendly plants are, of course, ant-free! The caudex forms exactly the same way as it does in nature, even without ants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/expand]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/porto_content_box]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eYou will receive a young plant in a 5.5cm pot (see picture 3 in the gallery). \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia\u003c\/em\u003e plants develop corky growths on their leaves. These are not pests!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319638274425,"sku":"Myr004","price":14.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Myrmecodia-sp.-Spiny-Pink-Fruit-02-1.jpg?v=1764928440"},{"product_id":"myrmecodia-sp-passport","title":"Myrmecodia sp. 'Passport'","description":"This ant plant resembles \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia alata\u003c\/em\u003e , but is generally more robust and has longer leaves. It was found in the Baliem Valley in the central highlands of the Indonesian province of Papua Pegunungan in West Papua.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia sp.\u003c\/em\u003e Passport develops a very spiny caudex with branched spines. The stem is also spiny, or rather, the alveoli are hairy. It grows very compactly with a rather small caudex and short stem, and is therefore not as space-spreading as other \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia species\u003c\/em\u003e .\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eAs is typical for \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia,\u003c\/em\u003e the plant usually has only one main stem, which grows longer and thicker but branches little or not at all. The shield-shaped structures on the stem are striking. These are called clypeoli. They often have spines or hairs along their edges. The leaves, up to 20 cm long and about 10 cm wide, grow from the front end of the clypeoli. The flowers emerge from the alveoli between the clypeoli. These depressions in the stem protect the developing, delicate flowers until they are ready to open. The flowers are white, about 5 to 8 mm in size, and only open for a few days. After a short time, elongated, orange fruits develop from the flowers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia sp.\u003c\/em\u003e 'Passport' grows quickly with proper care and is a good ant plant for beginners. It is best kept in a terrarium or a plant display case.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e[porto_content_box border_top_color=\"#1e764d\" border_radius=\"2\" border_top_width=\"2\" align=\"left\"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [expand Title=\" \u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ant Plants\u003c\/strong\u003e \"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia\u003c\/em\u003e are so-called \"ant plants\" from the Rubiaceae family. They are widespread from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to the Solomon Islands, and mostly grow epiphytically on trees. They belong to the myrmecodomen ant plants, meaning they provide nesting sites for ants. Their thickened stem, also called a \"caudex,\" is riddled with numerous tunnels and chambers inhabited by specialized ants, mostly from the genus \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e . The ants do not create the chambers or the entrances themselves; these are formed solely by the plant, regardless of whether ants are present or not.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe plant has a mutually beneficial relationship with the ants that live in it. The ants protect the plant and their nest, and fertilize it with leftover food, droppings, and other waste. The plant contains several different types of chambers: some with smooth walls and others with warty walls. The warty chambers, in particular, are specially adapted for absorbing nutrients. The ants use the smooth chambers for nesting and the warty chambers as a waste disposal site, thus supplying the plant with nutrients. In some highly specialized ant-inhabiting plants, the ants even pollinate the flowers and plant the seedlings!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOver many years, the colonies of ants and ant-attracting plants spread across a tree, and other epiphytes associated with ants, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=hoya\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoya\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e , \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=dischidia\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003eDischidia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003eLecanopteris\u003c\/em\u003e , and orchids, also join them. A so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant garden\u003c\/a\u003e \" is created.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Not every ant-friendly plant is actually inhabited by ants in nature. In fact, there are numerous species where ants have never been detected! This also means that no ant-friendly plant necessarily needs an ant colony to survive or thrive. All of our cultivated ant-friendly plants are, of course, ant-free! The caudex forms exactly the same way as it does in nature, even without ants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/expand]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/porto_content_box]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eYou will receive a young plant in a 5.5cm pot (see picture 3 in the gallery). \u003cem\u003eMyrmecodia\u003c\/em\u003e plants develop corky growths on their leaves. These are not pests!","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319639060857,"sku":"Myr005","price":29.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Myrmecodia-cf.-alata-07.jpg?v=1764928467"},{"product_id":"hydnophytum-sp-roundish-caudex-wondiwoi","title":"Hydnophytum sp. 'Roundish Caudex' (Wondiwoi)","description":"This previously undescribed, small ant plant originates from the Wondiwoi Mountains on the Wandammen Peninsula in the north of the Indonesian province of West Papua on the island of New Guinea.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This is a small \u003cem\u003eHydnophytum\u003c\/em\u003e species. The caudex of older plants is ball-shaped, with striking, large holes and raised, bulbous edges. It produces numerous, very long branches, which can be regularly pruned to keep it compact. The branches later spread horizontally and no longer grow upright. The leaves are slightly velvety on the upper surface and a light green – a very cool look for an ant plant!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe tiny flowers are white and inconspicuous. The fruits are small, shiny, and red.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Due to its small final size and compact growth, it is an ideal terrarium plant for anyone who wants to acquire a truly bizarre rarity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [porto_content_box border_top_color=\"#1e764d\" border_radius=\"2\" border_top_width=\"2\" align=\"left\"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [expand Title=\" \u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ant Plants\u003c\/strong\u003e \"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHydnophytum\u003c\/em\u003e are so-called \"ant plants\" from the Rubiaceae family. They are widespread from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to the Solomon Islands, and usually grow epiphytically on trees. They belong to the myrmecodomen ant plants, meaning they provide nesting sites for ants. Their thickened stem, also called a \"caudex,\" is riddled with numerous tunnels and chambers inhabited by specialized ants, mostly from the genus \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e . The ants do not create the chambers or the entrances themselves; these are formed solely by the plant, regardless of whether ants are present or not.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe plant has a mutually beneficial relationship with the ants that live in it. The ants protect the plant and their nest, and fertilize it with leftover food, droppings, and other waste. The plant contains several different types of chambers: some with smooth walls and others with warty walls. The warty chambers, in particular, are specially adapted for absorbing nutrients. The ants use the smooth chambers for nesting and the warty chambers as a waste disposal site, thus supplying the plant with nutrients. In some highly specialized ant-inhabiting plants, the ants even pollinate the flowers and plant the seedlings!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOver many years, the colonies of ants and ant-attracting plants spread across a tree, and other epiphytes associated with ants, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=hoya\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoya\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e , \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=dischidia\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003eDischidia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e , \u003cem\u003eLecanopteris\u003c\/em\u003e , and orchids, also join them. A so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant garden\u003c\/a\u003e \" is created.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Not every ant-friendly plant is actually inhabited by ants in nature. In fact, there are numerous species where ants have never been detected! This also means that no ant-friendly plant necessarily needs an ant colony to survive or thrive. All of our cultivated ant-friendly plants are, of course, ant-free! The caudex forms exactly the same way as it does in nature, even without ants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/expand]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/porto_content_box]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eYou will receive a young plant in a 5.5cm pot (see picture 3 in the gallery).","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319639290233,"sku":"Hydno007","price":24.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Hydnophytum-sp.-Wondiwoi-02.jpg?v=1764928491"},{"product_id":"hoya-imbricata","title":"Hoya imbricata","description":"\u003cem\u003eHoya imbricata\u003c\/em\u003e originates from Mindanao, Palawan, Sulawesi and some other small Philippine islands.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e It immediately stands out due to its unusual growth form. In nature, it grows purely epiphytically on the trunks and branches of large rainforest trees. It produces only one leaf per node. The leaves are circular with a diameter of approximately 6 to 10 cm and lie close to the surface with their edges, while the center of the leaf curls upwards, creating a hollow space. The shape resembles a suction cup. Only a small, raised opening near the trunk leads into the interior. If the leaves cannot find a surface to cling to, they fold up.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIn nature, the hollow space beneath the leaf is used by ants (mainly \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e ) as a nest; the small opening serves as the nest entrance. The leaves along the stem \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/static.inaturalist.org\/photos\/194615086\/original.jpg\"\u003eoverlap by approximately 1 cm\u003c\/a\u003e , creating a continuous cavity that can be inhabited by the ants. Along the stem and especially beneath the leaves \u003cem\u003e, Hoya imbricata\u003c\/em\u003e produces fine roots that absorb the nutrients brought in by the ants. \u003cem\u003eHoya imbricata\u003c\/em\u003e is therefore a so-called ant plant (although ants are not actually needed to care for this plant).\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe leaves are variable in color. They are usually dark green with light speckles, but there are also entirely green varieties. In bright light, they turn reddish. The speckled variety, in particular, then looks as if someone has \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/static.inaturalist.org\/photos\/460407330\/original.jpeg\"\u003eglued slices of salami to a tree\u003c\/a\u003e .\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The flowers are quite typical for \u003cem\u003eHoya\u003c\/em\u003e . They appear in flat umbels of 6 to 12 individual flowers and are yellowish-white with an orange\/reddish corona and fine hairs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e You will receive a well-rooted cutting in a 9 cm orchid pot with new growth.","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319651316089,"sku":"Hoy017","price":14.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/Hoya-imbricata-01.jpg?v=1764929045"},{"product_id":"lecanopteris-carnosa","title":"Lecanopteris carnosa","description":"\u003cem\u003eLecanopteris carnosa\u003c\/em\u003e originates from North Sulawesi (Indonesia). In this species, the rhizome is \"naked\" (free of scales and without a waxy coating) but armed with numerous stiff \"hairs.\" The fresh rhizome is green and later turns black. The black parts are not dead!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e As with all \"ant ferns\" of the genus \u003cem\u003eLecanotperis\u003c\/em\u003e , except for \u003cem\u003eL. mirabilis\u003c\/em\u003e , the rhizome is thickened and hollow inside. The cavity serves as a nest for ants. The entrances to the rhizome are located at the ends of the lateral branches. The rhizome branches out and creeps up a tree (or other surface) tightly pressed against the substrate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The fronds are simple in structure and grow to about 40 to 50 cm in length. When they are mature and form sporangia, these are carried in conspicuous pouches on the edge of the fronds, which then bend over and look like small teacups.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e One of the few ant plants that can also be kept as a houseplant after an acclimatization period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e[porto_content_box border_top_color=\"#1e764d\" border_radius=\"2\" border_top_width=\"2\" align=\"left\"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [expand Title=\" \u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ant Plants\u003c\/strong\u003e \"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eLecanopteris\u003c\/em\u003e are so-called \"ant plants\" from the polypody fern family (Polypodiaceae). They are widespread from Southeast Asia to Australia and from Papua to New Caledonia, and usually grow epiphytically on trees. They belong to the myrmecodomen ant plants, meaning they provide nesting sites for ants. Their thickened rhizome is riddled with numerous tunnels and chambers inhabited by specialized ants, mostly from the genus \u003cem\u003ePhilidris\u003c\/em\u003e . The ants do not create the chambers or the entrances themselves; these are formed solely by the plant, regardless of whether ants are present or not.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe plant has a mutualistic relationship (both sides benefit) with the ants living in it. The ants protect the plant and their nest, and fertilize it with leftover food, droppings, and other waste.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Over many years, the colonies of ants and ant-attracting plants spread across a tree, and other epiphytes associated with ants, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=hoya\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoya\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e , \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/?s=dischidia\u0026amp;post_type=product\u0026amp;product_cat=0\"\u003eDischidia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e , and orchids, also join them. A so-called \" \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ant_garden\"\u003eant garden\u003c\/a\u003e \" is created.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eNot every ant-inhabited plant is actually inhabited by ants in nature. In fact, there are numerous species where ants have never been detected! This also means that no ant-inhabited plant necessarily needs an ant colony to survive or thrive. All of our cultivated ant-inhabited plants are, of course, ant-free! The rhizome develops exactly the same way as it does in nature, even without ants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/expand]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e [\/porto_content_box]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e You will receive a well-rooted cutting in a 9 cm orchid pot. It should be repotted or mounted!","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319660556665,"sku":"Lec001","price":29.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/lecanopteris-carnosa-01.jpg?v=1764929366"},{"product_id":"hoya-spartioides","title":"Hoya spartioides","description":"\u003cem\u003eHoya imbricata\u003c\/em\u003e originates from Borneo, more precisely from the north and northwest of the island, where it grows in the rather open and very nutrient-poor so-called Kerangas forests.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e It immediately catches the eye with its unusual growth habit. This Hoya only has temporary leaves. They appear irregularly and soon fall off. The long, striking stems with which it photosynthesizes are not leaves but its flower stalks (peduncles). These grow up to 20 cm long and always bear an inflorescence at their end, from which 1 to 6 short-lived, yellow\/white flowers emerge at irregular intervals. The peduncles can also turn reddish in bright light.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIn nature, it grows purely epiphytically on trunks and branches. Its roots are usually embedded in branch or tree hollows, or in larger bark crevices where ants build their nests. This gives it the advantage of consistently moist roots in the sunny and hot conditions of the Kerangas, as the ants keep their nests consistently moist. It is therefore strongly associated with ants and (in nature) probably cannot survive without them. In cultivation, of course, ants are not necessary to keep the plant alive.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This species grows slowly and forms only sparse roots. Please disturb it as little as possible after receiving it! We recommend keeping it in a display case or terrarium.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e You will receive a rooted cutting in a 6 cm orchid pot.","brand":"Jungle Leaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56319673696633,"sku":"Hoy019","price":39.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/files\/hoya-spartioides-03.jpg?v=1764929961"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8389\/6953\/collections\/20210408_132448.jpg?v=1779983212","url":"https:\/\/www.jungle-leaves.de\/en\/collections\/antplants.oembed?page=2","provider":"Jungle Leaves","version":"1.0","type":"link"}