Ant plants. Myrmecodia beccarii.

Here are two of my ant plants. the one with few spines grown 250 kilometers from here at Cardwell. The spiny form is one I colected on Cape York as a small seedling some years back. The southern form is in flower now. They grow readily from seed, but need a wet summer to establish before the dry winter. I find they grow best on 1/2 coconut pieces in the shade house with the same conditions as my orchids, well drained but moist all year round.
Bob.

the second spiny form. This is my favorite. It looks dangerous doesn,t it ? ____ Bob.

Wow, those are wonderful. Do you know if seed is available from any nurseries/sources in Australia? The plant in the second photo is especially cool.
Thanks,
Mike
tl³

are these the plants that thrive on having ants colonize within the caudex?

I have never seen seed of there on sale anywhere. Even here in Aus they are quite rare in cultivation. Yes, the ants that live in the caudex of these are very small black ones with a rather nasty sting, but luckily they are totally nocturnal. The only time i ever see them is when i transplant the seedlings.