Myrmecophyte

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A myrmecophyte is a plant that lives in association with a colony of ants and possesses specialized organs in which the ants live.

For example, Myrmecodia, an epiphytic plant from Malaysia, develops root tubers containing a network of cavities inhabited by ants.

Several species of Acacia from tropical America have specialized hollow thorns for the same purpose. This is probably a symbiotic relationship, with the ants helping to protect the plant from other insect pests and in return receiving shelter.

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