Hydnophytum

The Hydnophytum is a special plant that has a symbiotic relationship with ants. It is therefore called an ant plant or myrmecophyte. Many species acquire a kind of swollen stem, a caudex, which contains cavities. This cavity provides protection to ants from natural enemies and herbivores. The ants not only live in these cavities, but they also protect the plant from enemies. The feces of the ants, in turn, provides nutrients from which the plant can grow. The Hydnophytum plant often has simple, leathery leaves. The flowers that the plant can get are small and white, but the plant can later produce red or orange berries. The origin of these plants is found in Southeast Asia and northeastern Australia. They grow epiphytic in trees. Examples of popular species include Hydnophytum mosleyanum and Hydnophytum formicarum. Nowadays, they also serve as special houseplant.