Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2000 14:23:03 EDT From: Davidogray@aol.com To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg1102$foo@default> Subject: Carnivorous/Ant-inhabited Orchids and plants
In a post by Hideka Kobayashi, the plant Myrmecophila ( you almost had it
right ) is mentioned. Mymecophila is a fern that is now widely considered
part of the genus Lecanopteris. It does harbor ants in its hollow rhizomes
and derives significant benefits from the relationship, but is not
carnivorous. It is easy to grow ( and does well without the ants ) in lowland
Nepenthes conditions, BTW, as are the ant plants Myrmecodia and Hydnophytum.
The latter two have special surfaces inside them that are known to "digest"
ant wastes. All of them grow in proximity to Nepenthes bicalcarata,
curiously, but as epiphytes.
Perhaps Mr. Kobayashi is referring to the orchid Myrmechis? Will some orchid
fiend enlighten us on that plant? A reference would be useful.
Cheers,
David O. Gray
San Francisco
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