In some parts of the world, ant garden epiphytes are very common. Arboreal ants build shelters out of vegetable fibers, refuse, feces and secretions in which to house their nests. During or after this building, the seeds of "ant-garden" epiphyte species (such as Hydnophytum) are brought into the nests where they happily germinate. The seeds of some epiphyte species produce a chemical which is similar to ant pheromones and may act as an attractant.
The epiphyte seeds grow within the ant nest. These epiphyte species provide extra habitat their ant friends by threading roots throughout or providing hollow stems. In return, the ants defend their new castle from herbivores and the waste and detritus produced by the colony feeds the epiphytes and protects them from severe drought.
The epiphyte seeds grow within the ant nest. These epiphyte species provide extra habitat their ant friends by threading roots throughout or providing hollow stems. In return, the ants defend their new castle from herbivores and the waste and detritus produced by the colony feeds the epiphytes and protects them from severe drought.
Ant garden with the epiphytes Anthurium gracile and Peperomia macrostachya and the ant species belonging to Camponotus. Photo: Youngsteadt et al. (2007).
In some cases it, the records I've read suggest the plant grows and THEN the ants inhabit it. Which ever way it works, it seems like a pretty awesome relationship!
Ant nest epiphyte Hydnophytum formicarium. Photo: C. Morell.
The interior of a Hydnophytum forms a ready-made ant palace! Photo: greenzoo.net
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