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How likely am I to fail? Hydnophytum formicarium


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#1 Offline iXvXi - Posted April 10 2017 - 3:44 PM

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What's the likelihood of me getting a Tetramorium caespitum colony or another small species of ants to move into an ant plant?

Hydnophytum is one of five ant-plant genera in the family Rubiaceae, the others being Anthorrhiza, Myrmecodia, Myrmephytum, and Squamellaria.

Has anyone tried to host a colony in one of these?

Does anyone know the ant species that normally tend to these plants? I cannot seem to find any sort of information on which species, size, etc.

Edited by iXvXi, April 10 2017 - 3:44 PM.


#2 Offline Alabama Anter - Posted April 10 2017 - 5:34 PM

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ant plant?


YJK


#3 Offline Tyrael - Posted April 10 2017 - 5:38 PM

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ant plant?

 

 

They form a symbiotic relationship with ants. Ant plants provide habitats for ant colonies high up into the forest canopy, protecting them from the elements and also predators because of the spines. Hollow, smooth-walled tunnels form within the caudex with external entrance holes, providing an above-ground home for ant colonies. Ants likewise provide defense for the plant and prevent tissue damage, swarming to defend their home if disturbed. Ant colonies also provide nutrients to the plants by leaving wastes within the tunnels inside the caudex. Special glands lining the tunnels then absorb nutriment for the plant. This symbiosis allows the plants to effectively gather nutrients (via the ants) from a much larger area than the roots ever could cover.

 

1280px-Hydnophytum_formicarum_001.jpg


Edited by Tyrael, April 10 2017 - 5:38 PM.

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#4 Offline FSTP - Posted April 10 2017 - 6:05 PM

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Oh cool! I knew it was just a matter of time before someone else brought this up. Since you bring it I guess I can say I've been growing Hydnophytum formicarum (cool species name) in order to try and get it to host some ants. 

 

In the wild Myrmecophyts often have very specific species of ants that are only found in that single species of ant plant. For example Nepenthes bicalcarata( another plant I'm currently growing) is the only place in the world you will find Camponotus schmitzi, in Borneo.

 

However that don't mean you can't force. When my plants are large enough I will be bifurcating them and then pane mounting them. Also I think I'm going to try and force some Solenopsis molesta since they are likely small enough to fit through the caudex openings.


Edited by FSTP, April 10 2017 - 6:08 PM.


#5 Offline iXvXi - Posted April 12 2017 - 12:34 PM

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Well I bought a quite large one. Once it comes in I'll update this thread with my setup and if I was able to successfully house a colony in it.

The only problem I see is the amount of water it requires. I'm thinking of making a separate enclosure for the plant so their outworld can stay dry. It will also house springtails to help counteract any mold.

#6 Offline iXvXi - Posted May 12 2017 - 11:40 AM

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Well it came in..smaller than I had anticipated but it should start to grow once the roots set.

Resized_20170512_005655.jpeg
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#7 Offline sgheaton - Posted May 12 2017 - 11:52 AM

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I really hope this works out for you. Would be a cool alternative to "traditional set ups!"


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