Name: Hydnophytum radicans
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Location: Big Hole Wondiwoi Irian Java
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Plant Description: Hydnophytum radicans is found in Papua New Guinea. The species is widespread at a variety of altitudes, from low-lying regions to mountain rainforests in excess of 1800m above sea level. H. radicans is a fast growing species that can become impressively large when mature. The caudex can reach nearly two feet in diameter, with individual branches up to five feet long. This species produces small white flowers that mature into round red berries. Larger specimens can be cared for similar to orchids or other house plants and grown on an east or south facing window. Young plants should be kept in terrariums, greenhouses, or other high humidity environment until the caudex is about the size of a golf ball.
**A note about ant plants and false scale: many ant plant species may show signs of scale insect infestation on their leaves. However, there is no actual scale present. Rather, this is another aspect of their unique symbiotic relationship with ants. In the wild, ants eat--or sometimes farm--scale insects. By creating the appearance of scale insect damage, the ant plant is attempting to attract ants to move into its caudex. You do not need to treat an ant plant displaying false scale as it will resolve on its own and is not harmful to the plant.
Hydnophytum radicans Big Hole Wondiwoi IJ
Ant plants consist of multiple genera native to Southeast Asia and the South Pacific region.
Ant plants are so named for their fascinating symbiotic relationship with ants. Hollow, smooth-walled tunnels form within the trunks (caudex) of ant plants, providing a home for ant colonies. When dissected, you can see that ant plants naturally form a twisting labyrinth that mimics the inside of an underground ant colony. The ants that inhabit this bespoke home provide defense for the plant and prevent tissue damage, swarming to defend their home if disturbed. The plant in turn receives nutrients from ant droppings.
Despite the wonderful symbiotic relationship that occurs in nature, ant plants can be easily cultivated without ants in a home or greenhouse. In fact, their cultivation is quite similar to epiphytic orchids. A high quality orchid fertilizer will provide all of the nutrients that ant plants would otherwise receive from their ant tenants in the wild.