A very interesting species with lanceolate leaves. It grows on the ground in moorland in the Wissel Lakes region around Waghete and Enerotali in the highlands of Irian Jaya.

The separation of Myrmecodia erinacea and alata is very difficult to impossible. Normally, M. erinacea has rather narrow leaves with wavy leaf margins and an uneven, quasi-embossed leaf surface, while M. alata has rather broad, smooth and unwavy leaves. However, it is almost impossible to separate them in some collections. I have numerous locality forms in my collection and will offer some of them in the next few years.In this case, it is M. alata with very weak and rather sparsely branched spination and a brownish caudex, which originates from the Merauke area in the very south of Irian Jaya.

The clear separation of Myrmecodia erinacea and alata is very difficult to impossible. Normally, M. erinacea has rather narrow leaves with wavy leaf margins and an uneven, quasi-embossed leaf surface, while M. alata has rather broad, smooth and unwavy leaves. However, it is almost impossible to separate them in some collections. I have numerous locality forms in my collection and will be offering some of them over the next few years.In this case, it is a collection with green leaf bases from the south of the Bird's Head Peninsula in eastern Irian Jaya.

It is very difficult to clearly distinguish between Myrmecodia erinacea and alata, as transitional forms are found. Normally, M. erinacea has rather narrow leaves with wavy margins, as well as an uneven, almost embossed leaf surface, whilst M. alata has rather broad, smooth and non-wavy leaves. However, separating them is almost impossible in some collections. I have numerous site forms in my collection and will be offering some of them for sale over the next few years.In this case, it is a fairly distinctive specimen of M. alata, collected above Nabire. The specimen is heavily spined.

The clear separation of Myrmecodia erinacea and alata is very difficult, as transitional forms are found. Normally, M. erinacea has rather narrow leaves with wavy leaf margins and an uneven, quasi-embossed leaf surface, while M. alata has rather broad, smooth and unwavy leaves. However, the separation is almost impossible with some collections. I have numerous site forms in my collection and will be offering some of them over the next few years.In this case, it is a fairly clear M. alata with non-undulating broad leaves.

Probably one of the forms of the widely distributed Myrmecodia tuberosa.

Succulent leaves. Very nice.

Succulent leaves. Very nice.

This taxon is thought to be Myrmecodia kutubuensis:Myrmecodia kutubuensisMyrmecodia kutubuensis Huxley & Jebb is a myrmecophytic species of the Rubiaceae native to the Lake Kutubu area in the Southern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea.The species is characterized by a broadly cylindrical to clavate, greyish-brown caudex with weakly developed longitudinal ridges. Numerous stout, simple spines are distributed relatively evenly across the caudex surface, while the entrances to the ant chambers are arranged in characteristic arcuate rows that surround the raised areas of the caudex. The usually unbranched stems bear short, simple spines that densely surround the alveoli. The leaves are narrowly elliptic to oblanceolate, leathery, with an attenuate base and a long-acuminate apex. The midrib is strongly keeled on the abaxial surface, forming a distinct longitudinal ridge.

Depending on the interpretation, this is one of the many varieties of Myrmecodia platytyrea or a new species. The leaf stalks are orange in colour.

Depending on the interpretation, it is one of the many varieties of Myrmecodia platytyrea or a related species. The leaf stalks are orange in colour.

Myrmecodia schlechteri is a fairly variable and widespread species found at medium altitudes.This type has much sturdier caudices compared to Type 2 from the same location.In my experience, the plants grow without any problems in both distinctly lowland and highland conditions.

Myrmecodia schlechteri is a fairly variable and widespread species found at medium altitudes.This specimen, from the same location as Specimen 1, has noticeably more elongated caudices.In my experience, the plants grow without any problems in both distinctly lowland and highland conditions.

The separation of Myrmecodia erinacea and alata is very difficult to impossible. Normally, M. erinacea has rather narrow leaves with wavy leaf margins and an uneven, quasi-embossed leaf surface, while M. alata has rather broad, smooth and unwavy leaves. However, it is almost impossible to separate them in some collections. I have numerous localised forms in my collection and will be offering some of them over the next few years.In this case, it is a typical M. erinacea from the area near Nabire.

The clear separation of Myrmecodia erinacea and alata is very difficult to impossible. Normally, M. erinacea has rather narrow leaves with wavy leaf margins and an uneven, quasi-embossed leaf surface, while M. alata has rather broad, smooth and unwavy leaves. However, in some collections it is almost impossible to separate them . I have numerous locality forms in my collection and will offer some of them in the coming years.In this case, it is a clear M. erinacea with wavy and embossed leaves, but these are at the "broad" end of the variation spectrum. Unfortunately, the origin cannot be traced.

The separation of Myrmecodia erinacea and alata is very difficult to impossible. Normally, M. erinacea has rather narrow leaves with wavy leaf margins and an uneven, quasi-embossed leaf surface, while M. alata has rather broad, smooth and unwavy leaves. However, separation is almost impossible in some collections . I have numerous locality forms in my collection and will offer some of them over the next few years.In this case it is the most extreme M. erinacea I have ever come across. With typically wavy and embossed leaves that are also extremely long and narrow. A marvellous form!Unfortunately, its origin cannot be traced.

Attention - in the past I have given this species as Myrmecodia cf. alata. However, I now have so many comparative types, including a very clear M. alata, that with my current knowledge I clearly categorise this collection as M. erinacea.

Myrmecodia jobiensisMyrmecodia jobiensis Becc. is a myrmecophytic species of the family Rubiaceae, found in western New Guinea, where it grows as an epiphyte in tropical lowland forests. Within the genus, it is Myrmecodia erinacea and Myrmecodia alata closely related.A characteristic feature of the species is an elongated-cylindrical to club-shaped, grey-brown, smooth caudex without longitudinal ribs. The entrances to the ant chambers are arranged in characteristic arched rows, which frame distinct bulges. The sturdy, predominantly branched spines are mainly situated on the bulges between the arched entrance openings. The mostly unbranched shoots bear strong but relatively soft, unbranched spines, which densely line the alveoli. The leaves are narrowly elliptical to lanceolate, leathery, with a narrowed base and a long, tapering tip. The midrib is distinctly keeled on the underside of the leaf and stands out as a sharp, ridge-like elevation. 

Myrmecodia longissima has extremely narrow leaves and belongs to the Myrmecodia species, which in nature usually hang downwards and grow downwards as epiphytes.The inflorescences are also very atypical, giving the species a special position within the genus. I would not be surprised if, upon closer inspection, this species (along with another that has similar inflorescences) were eventually grouped into a new genus of their own!

This form, which presumably belongs to the Myrmecodia platytyrea complex, has green petioles in contrast to most other forms of the complex with orange petioles. The origin of the mother plants is unclear.

Myrmecodia platytyrea is the only Myrmecodia found in Australia. However, this form originates from Papua New Guinea, located north of Australia.

Myrmecodia schlechteri is a fairly variable and widespread species found at medium altitudes.In my experience, the plants grow without any problems in both lowland and highland conditions.

Narrow quite elongated sausage-shaped caudex with numerous fine spines. Very unusual!

A Myrmecodia species from Central Luzon.