Hydnophytum radicans (Tual, Kai Islands, South-East Moluccas)
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Product information "Hydnophytum radicans (Tual, Kai Islands, South-East Moluccas)"
Hydnophytum radicans
Hydnophytum radicans Becc. is an epiphytic species of the family Rubiaceae, 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 striking form have a very smooth and erect caudex with only a few, very large openings.