I have two species of Mymecodia (one unnamed species from Thailand)
and an Hydnophytum formicarium. These are all "ant plants." No,
they do not need the ants to survive and do well. I've had friends
that have had plants for 20 years without ants and no ill effects.
You can get good sized plants from Jerry Horne in Miami for about
10 bucks. He has them in bloom and fruit for not much more.
--
Phil Mueller
hi23ahg@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
Tulane Graduate School
Xavier Univ. of LA History Dept.