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myrmecophyte

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myrmecophyte

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 mutualistic (mutually beneficial) relationship, with the ants helping to protect the plant from other insect pests and in return receiving shelter.
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Myrmecophytes, also knows as ant-plants, have hollow stems or roots that occur as a normal part of their development.
Ants can be both friends and enemies of trees by Asian News International
Heath forests are characterized by uniform, fairly small statured trees (average up to 20-25 meters), an open canopy, large numbers of myrmecophytes, and usually occur on very poor, leached sandy soils.
Flora and vegegation of Danau Sentarum: unique lake and swamp forest ... by Giesen, Wim / Borneo Research Bulletin
 
 
 
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