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Squamellaria major

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Photo by Derrick Rowe.


Photo by Derrick Rowe.

Author:  Albert Charles Smith, 1967
Family:  RUBIACEAE
Origin:  Fiji Islands
Soil:  Epiphytic
Water:  Maximum
Sun:  Minimum - Medium
Thickness:  17 Centimetres
Height:  40 Centimetres
Flower:  White
Propagate:  Seeds
Names:  Ant Plant
Synonyms:  -

This epiphytic member of the Rubiaceae family was described by Albert Charles Smith in 1967. It is found on the Fiji Islands. The hollow caudex can grow up to 17 centimetres in diameter and 24 centimetres long. The entire pant can reach 40 centimetres or more. The flowers are white.

The genera name refers to the presence of fringed scales, or squamellae, which are produced within the petals in some species. The species name means 'big'.

See the key to the species of Squamellaria on the Squamellaria guppyana page.

A key to the genera of the HYDNOPHYTTNAE is found on the Myrmecodia alata page.


Photo by Derrick Rowe.