As one of only a few epiphytic caudiciform plants, this member of the family Rubiaceae, which includes coffee and gardenias, is an extreme oddity of nature. Leathery leaves and narrow branches bearing fleshy fruits grow from an ample caudex, which is set with tiny openings, doorways to a labyrinth of interior chambers.

In nature this fascinating plant maintains a symbiotic relationship with certain ant species that provide protection from predators in exchange for housing. But don’t worry, in cultivation, no native ant species are attracted to it! Found in tropical northern Australia and Papua New Guinea where they grow naturally in nutrient poor areas, often on scrub vegetation. Culture is easy: keep just moist, not wet, and grow in medium to bright light, out of full sun, in a well-draining media. Hanging baskets are ideal.

This is a relatively newly described ant plant. A linear-leaved epiphyte known to come from Sabah, Malayasia.  This caudiciform is a member of the family Rubiaceae which include coffee and gardenias. The leaves are leathery and have narrow branches. There are tiny openings in the caudex which leads to a labyrinth of interior chambers.

In nature this plant maintains a symbiotic relationship with a certain ant which protects the plant from predators. In cultivation there are no native ants that are attracted to the plant.

Keep the plant warm and humid as well as the media -- moist but not wet. Grow it in medium to bright light but not in full sun. Pot it in a well draining media. A hanging basket is ideal for growing this unusual plant.

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