Antplant ‘Hydnophytum Simplex’

Hydnophytum simplex is found in the wild on the Indonesian island of Aru. It enjoys a symbiotic relationship with ants: the plant provides protection for the nest belonging to an ant colony in return for nutrients and protection against predatory herbivores. This mutually beneficial scenario results in a highly distinctive looking plant. Its leaves grow alternately on each side of the stem on leaf stalks that can be as long as a metre. Small white flowers in the axils of the leaf stems turn into bright red berries in due course.