Hydnophytum radicans (Timika, Irian Jaya)
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Product information "Hydnophytum radicans (Timika, Irian Jaya)"
Hydnophytum radicans
Hydnophytum radicans Becc. is an epiphytic species of the Rubiaceae family, found in the lowland rainforests of New Guinea. It grows on tree trunks and branches in humid forests and forms a tuber-like caudex with a branched system of cavities. Unlike many other members of the Hydnophytinae, the cavities are predominantly inhabited not by ants, but by various invertebrates and, occasionally, small reptiles.
Characteristic features of H. radicans are the round, unbranched shoots, the large, broadly elliptical to obovate, leathery leaves with a distinctly prominent midrib, and the paired, profusely branched inflorescences. These highly branched inflorescences are the most important identifying feature of the Radicans group within the genus Hydnophytum. Another characteristic of some specimens is the formation of small secondary caudices along the roots, which allows the plant to spread vegetatively.
Plants of this form appear to be particularly well-adapted to dry periods, and the caudex shrinks drastically during drought, so that the plant appears almost dead.
The unripe berries remain orange for a long time and only turn red when fully ripe. The leaves are relatively large, leathery and always hang down. The inflorescences are extremely compact and the caudex is rather small.
Another interesting feature of this form is that the aforementioned daughter tubers can form on the roots!