ant plant

botany

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 21, 2026

Quick Summary

An "ant plant," also known as a myrmecophyte, is a plant that has a mutualistic relationship with ants. These plants often have specialized structures, such as hollow thorns or enlarged leaf bases, that provide shelter for ant colonies. In return for this shelter, the ants defend the plant against herbivores and competing vegetation.1234

Some ant plants also produce extrafloral nectaries, which are glands that secrete nectar on parts of the plant other than the flowers. This nectar serves as a food source for the ants, further strengthening the symbiotic relationship. This mutualism is crucial for the survival of both the plant and the ants involved. Additionally, ants play a role in seed dispersal for some plant species, a process known as myrmecochory.23456

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

6 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Asclepiadoideae
The ant plant (Dischidia rafflesiana) is uniquely adapted with hollow inflated leaves filled with root structures. The leaves can store rainwater or, if punctured, form a suitable nesting chamber for symbiotic ants, which protect the plants from harmful insects.
Read More
The ant plant (Dischidia rafflesiana) is uniquely adapted with hollow inflated leaves filled with root structures. The leaves can store rainwater or, if punctured, form a suitable nesting chamber for symbiotic ants, which protect the plants from harmful insects.
Read More