Myrmecodia

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Myrmecodia

Myrmecodia platytyrea

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Gentianales
Family:	Rubiaceae
Genus:	Myrmecodia Jack

Species

Several, including:
Myrmecodia lamii
Myrmecodia platytyrea
Myrmecodia tuberosa

Synonyms

Epidendroides Sol.
Mirmecodia Gaudich., orth. var.
Myrmecoides Elmer, orth. var.

Myrmecodia is a genus of epiphytic myrmecophytes (ant plants) native to Southeast Asia. Myrmecodia plants grow in tree branches and on trunks. They form a symbiotic relationship with ants and fungi. Natives in Vietnam and Papua New Guinea have been using it for generations to cure many ailments.