Hydnophytum moseleyanum 'Siasiada Village' / Ant Plant

Growers Choice. Shipped in a 4" pot. The last four photos are of the mother plant, NFS.

     Ant Plants are plants that have developed a symbiotic mutual relationship with ants. In the case of Caudex Ant Plants, the plant provides a shelter for ants within the natural cavities of its base stem, in exchange for the organic nutrients that the ants provide in the form of waste and debris, as well as protection in some cases. Almost all Ant Plants are epiphytes, serving arboreal ants. NOTE: Ant Plants DO NOT attract ants! The ants native to the US have no idea of these exotic plants from Asia and are about as interested in it as a plastic toy.

     Hydnophytum moseleyanum ‘Siasiada Village’ is a rare natural variety of the most common ant plant. This species is widespread and has a lot of variation outside of the TC clone you will find in the US. I find that the stems on this species are more upright and hold larger, wider leaves. The standout difference is the textured caudex. The epidermis is a fine network of cracks and scales, looking like a web of fissures. With age, it produces a prolific amount of entrance holes. My mother plant is five years old and has formed a round, egg-shaped base, compared to other H. moseleyanum that form a lumpy, somewhat flattened caudex. Like the common form, ‘Siasiada Village’ is much less prone to rot compared to other ant plants genera like Myrmecodia, Myrmephytum, etc.

     Use a fast draining, orchid media mix and allow it to dry between waterings. High humidity is preferred. Seeds collected by Derrick Rowe from Siasiada Village, Papua New Guinea. Introduced to cultivation by Frank Omilian.