Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Climber, Epiphyte |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Philippines (Luzon, Panay) |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A much branched species with modified leaves that houses ants |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves light green, dimorphic. Normal leaves elliptic, glabrous; venation inconspicuous. Modified leaves bullate, 2 or more leaves on opposite sides of a series of shortened leaf internodes forming a globose pouch. Modified pouch enclosing part of the stem; forming a cavity for ants to nest (ant domatia). |
| Flowers | Corolla lobes salmon to dark pink, reflexed at maturity. Corona cream or white, tinged with pink or rose pink towards the center. Corono lobes erect |
| Others - Plant Morphology | This species illustrates the example of ant-plant mutualism (where both organisms benefit)- ants find shelter within the leaf cavity (i.e. domatia), whereas the plant benefits from the nitrogen rich waste material that is left behind by the ants (ant carton). |
| Similar | Hoya mitrata from South East Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra) is another myrmecotrophic species with modified leaves that act as ant domatia (i.e. ant housing). The clustered leaves, however, do not form globose pouches, but form an ovoid domatium structure. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Small Gardens, Container Planting, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
| Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks | Avoid contact with sap as it may cause skin irritation in certain individuals. Keep plants away from children and pets as sap could be toxic. |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Green - Light Green, Red |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flowering Period | After Rain |
| Flower Lifespan on Plant | Several Days |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31003 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5390 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
