Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Gentianales
Family:
Species:
melanacantha
ID:
248950

Status:
valid

Authors:
C.R.Huxley & Jebb

Source:
wcs

Year:
1993

Citation Micro:
Blumea 37: 326 (1993)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000248282

Common Names

  • Ant Plant
  • Ant Tree
  • Myrmecodia melanacantha

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Description

Myrmecodia melanacantha (also called Black-spined Ant Plant, among many other common names) is a species of epiphytic plant native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is a shrub-like plant that grows on other trees, typically in rainforest habitats.

Uses & Benefits

Myrmecodia melanacantha is used as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal properties. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, headache, and skin diseases.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Myrmecodia melanacantha has small, white flowers that are borne on the tips of the branches. The flowers are followed by small, round, red fruits that contain one or two seeds. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are reddish-brown.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Myrmecodia melanacantha can be propagated by seed or vegetatively. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining, sandy soil mix and kept moist. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Vegetative propagation can be achieved by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in a moist, sandy soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they have rooted.

Where to Find Myrmecodia melanacantha

Myrmecodia melanacantha is native to tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia. It is found in the wild in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea.

Myrmecodia melanacantha FAQ

What is the scientific name of Myrmecodia melanacantha?

Myrmecodia melanacantha

What is the family of Myrmecodia melanacantha?

Apocynaceae

What is the native range of Myrmecodia melanacantha?

New Guinea

Species in the Rubiaceae family

Acranthera abbreviata, Acranthera anamallica, Acranthera athroophlebia, Acranthera atropella, Acranthera aurantiaca, Acranthera axilliflora, Acranthera bullata, Acranthera capitata, Acranthera ceylanica, Acranthera didymocarpa, Acranthera endertii, Acranthera frutescens, Acranthera grandiflora, Acranthera hallieri, Acranthera hirtostipula, Acranthera involucrata, Acranthera johannis-winkleri, Acranthera lanceolata, Acranthera longipes, Acranthera longipetiolata, Acranthera maculata, Acranthera megaphylla, Acranthera monantha, Acranthera nieuwenhuisii, Acranthera ophiorhizoides, Acranthera parviflora, Acranthera philippensis, Acranthera ruttenii, Acranthera salmonea, Acranthera siamensis, Acranthera siliquosa, Acranthera simalurensis, Acranthera sinensis, Acranthera strigosa, Acranthera tomentosa, Acranthera variegata, Acranthera velutinervia, Acranthera yatesii, Acranthera philippinensis, Acranthera burmanica, Acranthera virescens, Acranthera hoangii, Acranthera collina, Acrobotrys discolor, Acrosynanthus jamaicensis, Acrosynanthus latifolius, Acrosynanthus minor, Acrosynanthus ovatus, Acrosynanthus parvifolius, Acrosynanthus revolutus,

References

Matthew Jebb (b.1958): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Jebb' in the authors string.
Camilla Rose Huxley (b.1952): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'C.R.Huxley' in the authors string.
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:971936-1: Based on the initial data import