Anthorrhiza caerulea (Mt Kaindi, PNG)
€50.00
Currently not available, please sign up to get notified
Product information "Anthorrhiza caerulea (Mt Kaindi, PNG)"
Anthorrhiza caerulea
Anthorrhiza caerulea Huxley & Jebb is an epiphytic species of the Rubiaceae family, found in the mountain rainforests of Morobe Province in Papua New Guinea. It grows at altitudes of around 2,000–3,000 m, mostly on large Nothofagus trees, where it is found in both the lower and upper parts of the canopy. The caudices are invariably colonised by the ant Iridomyrmex scrutator. The species is sympatric with Anthorrhiza chrysacantha.
A characteristic feature of the species is the conical caudex with densely clustered, dark brown, star-shaped spines. One or two sturdy, densely spined shoots emerge from the caudex, bearing large, lanceolate to obovate leaves with distinctly prominent veins and slightly wavy margins. The depressed inflorescences are surrounded by a spiny margin of tissue and bear striking turquoise-blue flowers, a feature unique within the genus. Compared to A. chrysacantha A. caerulea smaller, dark brown spines, larger leaves with more prominent veins, and the characteristic turquoise-blue flowers, whilst A. chrysacantha is characterised by larger golden-brown thorns and white flowers. The fruits are elongated, egg-shaped, orange-coloured berries.