Sarang semut plants are now beginning to expand used as medicinal plants. Many are found in the jungles of Papua, grow attached to the branches of trees. Recent findings, at least there are 10 species of sarang semut plant that grows in the interior wilds of Papua. Among them: Myrmecodia pendans, Myrmecodia joniensis, Myrmecodia erinacea, Myrmecodia alata, Myrmecodia tuberosa, Hydnophytum.
While many are found in Papua, sarang semut not a plant endemic area. On the other islands in Nusantara, species such as this plant can be found in Sumatra, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, and Ambon.
Sarang semut plant size also vary, depending on the variant species. Typically, the root anthill had ballooned process in accordance with plant age. The leaves also vary, there is a rounded oval, some are elongated. However, average tuber tiered oval with scattered thorns on certain pattern on the outside.
Bulbs of this plant special. In between layers of "fence" thorn plant bulbs are usually found also a kind of fungus. Layers in this bulb has a lot of voids in a random structure. Cavities is used as a nest of ants. Maybe from hence the name of the ant nest (sarang semut) to obtain.
Based on many scientific studies conducted on the species of sarang semut plants, the most popular type is Myrmecodia and Hydnophytum. While it is primarily occupied by ants, some insects including amphibians and reptiles have also been reported to live in sarang semut plant. As the role of the fungus, the sarang semut plant relationship with beings other than the ants have not been disclosed and are still studied.
But its relationship with ants is known. This is one focus of research on the ecology and zoology epiphytes associated with this species. Because it produces a kind of nectar plants that contain glucose. This becomes the main feed ants colonize within the cavity of the tuber.
Then it is also very tolerant plants for the life of ants. Because of its ability to adjust and maintain a steady warmth inside the cavity-sockets. For example if the air is too cold, this plant will raise the temperature of the tuber in order to stay on under normal conditions. While the benefits of turning from ant to sarang semut plant of course a kind of "insurance" protection against herbivores and other predators.
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