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Myrmephytum arfakianum

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Terrestrial plant, photo by Andreas Wistuba.


Drawing by Rosemary Wise.


The small flowers, photo by Andreas Wistuba

Author:  C.R. Huxley & M. H.P. Jebb, 1991
Family:  RUBIACEAE
Origin:  Irian Jaya, Papau New Guinea
Soil:  Rich - Not
Water:  Maximum
Sun:  Minimum - Medium
Thickness:  25 Centimetres
Height:  60 Centimetres
Flower:  White
Propagate:  Seeds
Names:  Ant plant
Synonyms:  Myrmendoma arfakiana, Beccari, 1884

This epiphytic or terrestrial member of the Rubiaceae family was given this name by Camilla Rose Huxley and Matthew H. P. Jebb in 1991. It is found in the Irian Jaya; Papau New Guinea, growing in the trees as an epiphyte, or on the ground in poor soil. The caudex can grow to 25 centimetres in diameter wile the entire plant can reach 60 centimetres. The small flowers are white.

The genera name from Latin Myrme; 'ant' and Latin -phyto; 'plant'. The species name from the area it is found in: Arfak Mountains.

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


Epiphytic plant, photo by Andreas Wistuba.


Epiphytic plant, photo by Andreas Wistuba.