Anthorrhiza chrysacantha (Mt Kaindi, PNG)
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% €75.00 (33.33% saved)
Product information "Anthorrhiza chrysacantha (Mt Kaindi, PNG)"
Anthorrhiza chrysacantha
Anthorrhiza chrysacantha Huxley & Jebb is an epiphytic species of the family Rubiaceae, found in the montane rainforests of Central and Eastern Papua (Papua New Guinea). It grows in disturbed Nothofagus forests at altitudes of around 1,200–2,200 m, usually high up in the canopy, and is frequently sympatrous with Anthorrhiza caerulea . The caudices are regularly colonised by the ant Iridomyrmex scrutator .
A characteristic feature of the species is a flat caudex that lies close to the substrate, bearing dense, conspicuous golden-brown, multi-branched, star-shaped spines. As the plant matures, several sturdy, densely spined and branched shoots emerge from the caudex, bearing lanceolate to obovate, leathery leaves. The depressed inflorescences are surrounded by a narrow, spiny margin of tissue and bear white flowers with long, narrowly tapering corolla lobes. In comparison to A. caerulea A. chrysacantha larger, golden-brown spines, smaller leaves with less conspicuous venation, and white rather than turquoise-blue flowers. The fruits are spherical, yellowish-orange berries.
This species is absolutely breathtaking!
In my opinion, this species is in a league of its own alongside Myrmecodia lamii, Hydnphytum kajewskii and Squamellaria major when it comes to its bizarre appearance!