Myrmecodia
plant genus
Quick Summary
symbiosis
Ant-welcoming epiphyte (genus Myrmecodia) growing on a tree. Within the core of the epiphytic plant is a network of chambers housing ants that provide nutrients for the plant.
Myrmecodia is a genus of plants, often referred to as "ant plants". These plants are known for their unique relationship with ants, providing them with shelter within their swollen stems that contain hollow areas. This symbiotic relationship is a form of myrmecochory, where plants have adaptations to attract ants for seed dispersal. Some Myrmecodia species are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants, often found in tropical "ant gardens".123
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