Status:
valid
Authors:
Rolfe
Source:
wcs
Year:
1917
Citation Micro:
Orchid Rev. 25: 51 (1917)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000248337
Common Names
- Ant Plant
- Ant Tree
- Myrmecophila thomsoniana
Synonyms
- Laelia thomsoniana (Rchb.f.) L.O.Williams [unknown]
- Schomburgkia thomsoniana Rchb.f. [unknown]
- Schomburgkia brysiana thomsoniana (Rchb.f.) H.G.Jones [unknown]
Description
Myrmecophila thomsoniana (also called 'Thomson's Ant Orchid', among many other common names) is a species of orchid native to Central America and northern South America. It is found in humid montane forests, often growing on trees or rocks in shady areas.
Uses & Benefits
Myrmecophila thomsoniana is a tropical plant native to Central America. It is used as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, colds, and stomach problems.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Myrmecophila thomsoniana var. minor (W.H.W.Strachan ex Fawc.) Dressler
Myrmecophila thomsoniana var. thomsoniana
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Myrmecophila thomsoniana has white, star-shaped flowers with yellow centers and small, round seeds. The seedlings have a single stem with long, narrow leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Myrmecophila thomsoniana is a slow-growing epiphytic plant that is best suited to warm, humid climates. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be grown in a well-draining soil mixture. Propagation is done by stem cuttings, which should be placed in a moist, well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they begin to root.
Where to Find Myrmecophila thomsoniana
Myrmecophila thomsoniana can be found in tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Myrmecophila thomsoniana FAQ
What is the scientific name of Myrmecophila thomsoniana?
Myrmecophila thomsoniana
What is the family of Myrmecophila thomsoniana?
Orchidaceae
What is the native range of Myrmecophila thomsoniana?
Mexico
Species in the Myrmecophila genus
Myrmecophila brysiana,
Myrmecophila christinae,
Myrmecophila exaltata,
Myrmecophila galeottiana,
Myrmecophila grandiflora,
Myrmecophila humboldtii,
Myrmecophila laguna-guerrerae,
Myrmecophila thomsoniana,
Myrmecophila tibicinis,
Myrmecophila wendlandii,
Myrmecophila parkinsoniana,
Myrmecophila rechingeriana,
Species in the Orchidaceae family
Aa fiebrigii,
Aa hartwegii,
Aa hieronymi,
Aa leucantha,
Aa lorentzii,
Aa macra,
Aa achalensis,
Aa maderoi,
Aa mandonii,
Aa matthewsii,
Aa microtidis,
Aa paleacea,
Aa argyrolepis,
Aa riobambae,
Aa rosei,
Aa schickendanzii,
Aa sphaeroglossa,
Aa trilobulata,
Aa weddelliana,
Aa aurantiaca,
Aa calceata,
Aa colombiana,
Aa denticulata,
Aa erosa,
Aa figueroi,
Aa lozanoi,
Aa lehmannii,
Acampe carinata,
Acampe cephalotes,
Acampe ochracea,
Acampe pachyglossa,
Acampe praemorsa,
Acampe joiceyana,
Acampe hulae,
Acanthophippium bicolor,
Acanthophippium chrysoglossum,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Acanthophippium eburneum,
Acanthophippium gougahense,
Acanthophippium javanicum,
Acanthophippium lilacinum,
Acanthophippium mantinianum,
Acanthophippium parviflorum,
Acanthophippium pictum,
Acanthophippium splendidum,
Acanthophippium striatum,
Acanthophippium sylhetense,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Achlydosa glandulosa,
Acianthera aculeata,