In 2013 I went travelling to Australia in search of the Anthouse Plant Myrmecodia beccarii. This species has a fascinating symbiotic relationship in the wild between the host plant, the Golden Ant and the Apollo Jewel Butterfly.

An Anthouse plant growing in situ’, Cairns, Australia

Two smaller plants mounted on a piece of cork bark in the normal greenhouse conditions

A slightly larger plant that I am growing in a warm box with some lowland Nepenthes

I am pleased to have introduced these into my collection of tropical plants and I hope they survive through the winter. The slightly larger plant I decided would be worth putting in the heated box with some lowland Nepenthes to see which plants grow the best. Normal greenhouse conditions or extra warmth?

Dischidia pectinoides growing in my greenhouse

Another species of plant with the common name of the Ant plant but in fact a different genus altogether is Dischidia pectinoides.The leaves of the Dischidia shown here have bullate leaves which curl around on themselves forming a hollow chamber within, the ideal haven for ants. These plants grow as an epiphyte. High humidity, warmth and good light is all this plant needs.