Myrmecodia

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Myrmecodia
Myrmecodia platytyrea
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Gentianales Family: Rubiaceae Genus: Myrmecodia Jack
Species
Several, including: Myrmecodia lamii Myrmecodia platytyrea Myrmecodia tuberosa
Synonyms
Epidendroides Sol. Mirmecodia Gaudich., orth. var. Myrmecoides Elmer, orth. var.

Myrmecodia is a genus of epiphytic myrmecophytes (ant plants) native to Southeast Asia. Myrmecodia plants grow in tree branches and on trunks. They form a symbiotic relationship with ants and fungi. Natives in Vietnam and Papua New Guinea have been using it for generations to cure many ailments.