Status:
valid
Authors:
Becc.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1884
Citation Micro:
Malesia 2: 115 (1884)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000248296
Common Names
- Ant Plant
- Ant Tree
- Myrmecodia platytyrea
Description
Myrmecodia platytyrea (also called Ant Plant, among many other common names) is a species of epiphytic plants native to Southeast Asia and Australia. It is a small tree or shrub with succulent leaves and stems. It grows in tropical rainforests, often in the canopy, and is found in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and northern Australia.
Uses & Benefits
Myrmecodia platytyrea is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, headaches, and stomachaches.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Myrmecodia platytyrea sub. antoinii (Becc.) C.R.Huxley & Jebb
Myrmecodia platytyrea sub. platytyrea
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Myrmecodia platytyrea is a small, white, star-shaped flower. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small, green, and have a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Myrmecodia platytyrea 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 platytyrea
Myrmecodia platytyrea is native to tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia. It is found in the wild in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea.
Myrmecodia platytyrea FAQ
What is the scientific name of Myrmecodia platytyrea?
Myrmecodia platytyrea
What type of plant is Myrmecodia platytyrea?
Epiphytic shrub
Where is Myrmecodia platytyrea native to?
Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines
Species in the Myrmecodia genus
Myrmecodia alata,
Myrmecodia albertisii,
Myrmecodia angustifolia,
Myrmecodia archboldiana,
Myrmecodia aureospina,
Myrmecodia beccarii,
Myrmecodia brassii,
Myrmecodia erinacea,
Myrmecodia ferox,
Myrmecodia gracilispina,
Myrmecodia horrida,
Myrmecodia jobiensis,
Myrmecodia kutubuensis,
Myrmecodia lamii,
Myrmecodia longifolia,
Myrmecodia longissima,
Myrmecodia melanacantha,
Myrmecodia oblongata,
Myrmecodia oksapminensis,
Myrmecodia paradoxa,
Myrmecodia pendens,
Myrmecodia platytyrea,
Myrmecodia pteroaspida,
Myrmecodia schlechteri,
Myrmecodia sterrophylla,
Myrmecodia tuberosa,
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,