About
Myrmecodia are tropical forest epiphytes producing distinctive swollen, tuberous, ant-inhabited stems and thick, glossy, green foliage. They obtain nutrients from the waste of ants that colonise their hollow stem chambers. A fascinating botanical curiosity for a warm, humid, heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Myrmecodia are tropical epiphytes in the coffee family (Rubiaceae) producing swollen, ant-inhabited pseudobulb-like stems and small, white flowers. Grown as botanical curiosities in warm, humid, heated glasshouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens
Native toAfrica to China & Taiwan
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Although lime-tolerant, this species will not thrive on dry, shallow chalk. Both male and female plants are required to produce berries
PruningPruning group 1 or 8; may be clipped as low hedging
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free