About

Small white flowers are produced directly from the main stem, followed by fleshy orange-red berries. An epiphytic plant with a swollen, semi-succulent stem (known as a caudex), which is sometimes ridged or spiny. This is made up of cavities or tunnels that evolved in its native environment to host colonies of ants. Leathery, elliptic green leaves are held on pale fleshy stalks and often crowded around the tip of the stem.

About the genus

A small genus of tropical forest epiphytes which grow on branches in the canopy, with swollen, tuberous succulent-like stems and thick, glossy green foliage. They get their name 'ant-plants' from a mutual relationship they have with the ants where they provide food and shelter for the ants, and in return the ants provide nutrients via their waste for the plants

Growing conditions

Plant details

Care notes