Hydnophytum moseleyanum

That s a cute name for a cute plant. Any idea why it is called like that? I have never seen it before

@lifeonaroofterrace in nature it has a symbiotic relationship with ants! They enter and live in the caudex through the naturally formed holes and tunnels.

Oh like that! I never heard of this. Is it a plant that you keep indoors then….🐜🐜🐜🐜? Does it attract them or they just use it when they see it?

Potted up today

Does anyone know how this plant got its common name?

They form a symbolic 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.

So very #exoskeletal friendly. TY for the info @usgardentags !

My ant plant grew a new ant hole in its butt!!

#antplant #hydnophytum-moseleyanum #hydnophytum

Hydnophytum has formed its first ant hole!

Awesome plant!!! Was this hard to find? Plant with a #symbioticrelationship #caudex 👍💚🖒

@tinaaune I was lucky to have a friend who had one, so I grew it from seed!

Now that's my kind of friend! 💚💚💚 very nice

So interesting what you see.

Little side arms!

I learned the hard way this winter that these plant reaaaaally don’t like temps below 70. All my seedlings died and this juvenile dropped almost all its leaves. It recovered well after I brought it to work where the heat is better.

Oh, nice to find an easy fix. #antplant #hydnophytum #hydnophytum-moseleyanum

Wow its so cool 😍 its looking almost like adeniums

New branches forming!

Such a unique plant!

Still growing despite the cold

Cute little young one. I'm contemplating growing these as well.