Previous plant

Squamellaria imberbis

Next plant

Photo by
Andreas Wistuba.


Photo by
Andreas Wistuba.


Photo by
Andreas Wistuba.

Author: Odoardo Beccari, 1886
Family:  RUBIACEAE
Origin:  Vanua Levu; Fiji
Soil:  Epiphytic
Water:  Maximum
Sun:  Minimum - Medium
Thickness:  18 Centimetres
Height:  60 Centimetres
Flower:  White
Propagate:  Seeds
Names:  Ant Plant
Synonyms:  Myrmecodia imberbis, A. Gray, 1858.
Hydnophytum imberbe, Bentham & Hooker, 1890.
Hydnophytum wilsonii,
Horne ex Baker
Squamellaria wilsonii,
Becc.

This epiphytic member of the Rubiaceae family was given this name by
Odoardo Baccari in 1886. It is only found on the Fiji Island of Vanua Levu. The hollow caudex can grow up to 18 centimetres in diameter and the entire plant 60 centimetres high.

The genera name refers to the presence of fringed scales, or squamellae, which are produced within the petals in some species. The species is named means 'spineless'.

See the key to the species of Squamellaria on the Squamellaria guppyana page.

A key to the genera of the HYDNOPHYTTNAE is found on the Myrmecodia alata page.