Ito Ant Plant Farm deals in epiphytes in general, focusing on "ant plants," mysterious plants that grow by forming a symbiotic relationship with ants living inside the plant body. Ant plants are often considered "difficult plants" and are thought to be for advanced growers, but thanks to indoor cultivation using LED lighting, it has become easier to create the right environment for them. To fully enjoy these unique and varied plants, we were given a special tour of the greenhouse, which is usually closed to the public, by the owner, Ito Akihiro.
"Among the myrmecophytes, there are those known as ant plants, which have thickened tubers that allow ants and other insects to live inside them. Many of these plants are difficult to cultivate, and historically they have not been very popular. They require a cool temperature, a fair amount of light, a strong breeze, and just the right amount of humidity, which is quite a difficult environment to provide. But I really wanted to grow them, so I made this greenhouse, obsessed with recreating that environment."
Myrmephytum alphakianum
Myrmephytum arfakianum
Native to West Papua. Among the blue-flowered Myrmephytum species, this plant has large, deep blue flowers. It grows wild around the tree line in high altitudes, with some specimens growing on the ground. Because of its high altitude, it is difficult to cultivate.
Domatia (cavities that house ants)
Domatia
As the ant bed grows, complex cavities form inside the bed, which become the ant's nest. There are two types of cavities: one that can absorb ant waste and one that cannot.
Myrmecodia tuberosa "Belstigie"
Myrmecodia tuberosa “versteegii”
Native to West Papua. A subspecies of tuberosa, it is characterized by star-shaped thorns and arched cavities. The thorns of the ant-dama are modified roots, and can only form in high humidity environments where aerial roots can grow.
Seedlings of ant-like plants
Seedling ant plant
Because wild plants are difficult to cultivate due to various fungi and imported damage, Ito Ant Botanical Garden only sells seedlings and divisions. After sowing, the plants are forced to grow under LED lights for several months.
Hydnophytum manbellamoense similar species
Hydnophytum cf. mamberamoense
Native to central Papua, this large ant-like plant has a series of large flower clusters that appear to rotate. Myrmecodia Although it is also stated as Hy
dnophytum It has many similarities and may be an unknown genus.
Squamellaria Major
Squamellaria major
Native to Taveuni Island in Fiji, the ants carry the seeds of this species and embed them in tree bark to grow, forming an obligate symbiotic relationship with them, by which they build nests.
Hydnophytum radicans
Hydnophytum radicans
The size of the flower stalk and cavity varies depending on the region of New Guinea. The specimen from the region shown in the photo has many large entrance holes and raised edges.
When you enter the greenhouse, the maximum room temperature is set to around 25°C, and the air is cool.
"You might not feel it, but the humidity is close to 90%. But the plants don't get that wet. We use a dry mist, which is a fine mist at high pressure. This level of humidity is just right. In particular, with ant-like plants, which have thorns, if we use a mist with coarse particles that wets the surface, the thorns will either turn into aerial roots or not grow at all, and the plants will not grow as they should. Then there's the wind. A draft that just moves the air isn't strong enough; we want it to be strong enough to rustle the leaves."
There are about 200 species of ant-like plants here alone, and it is unlikely that there is anywhere else in the world that maintains such a large number of species. It is no exaggeration to say that this is a truly fascinating group of plants, possessing all the unusual elements, such as plants covered in thorns, hairy plants, and plants that hang down with just a single root.
Lecanopteris mirabilis
Lecanopteris mirabilis
Found in New Guinea and its surrounding areas. This rhizome does not have a hollow, but forms domatia using the gaps between the bark and the fern it grows on. The rhizome grows horizontally, flat and spreading.
Saurops unknown species
Sauropus sp.
Native to Vietnam, this unique species of Phyllanthus has flowers that bloom on the trunk. It is small, has beautiful leaf patterns, blooms all year round, and is highly ornamental. It is not difficult to cultivate.
Geonoma atrovirens
Geonoma atrovirens
This South American palm tree is native to Ecuador and Colombia and has jet-black leaves. The leaves are only bifurcated and grow upright. New leaves have a beautiful, slightly orange hue.
Petitsana Squamosa
Ptisana squamosa
Native to central Papua, this unusual plant has densely packed thorn-like protrusions on its leaf stalks. Its leaf arrangement is also beautiful. It's easy to cultivate, but it grows large, so you'll need a lot of space.
Darlingtonia californica
Darlingtonia californica
This carnivorous plant is a single species in its genus that grows naturally in the cool, wetlands of western North America. This specimen, cultivated in a special system with circulating cold water, had insect-trapping leaves over 50 cm long.
Ceratostema pendens
Ceratostema pendens
Native to Ecuador. This South American epiphytic azalea has velvety leaves and flowers that bloom from the base of the leaves. It grows quickly among Ceratostema species, making it fun to cultivate.
Bulbophyllum beckerii
Bulbophyllum beccarii
Native to Borneo, this large species grows with gigantic leaves that climb up the trunk of the tree. Its shape allows it to catch fallen leaves and absorb the nutrients they decompose.
"Even though they're incredibly fascinating plants, there's no established method for growing them, and they're barely distributed in the first place, so they haven't received much attention. Advances in indoor cultivation have lowered the barriers to entry, and I'm trying to share as much as possible the methods I've discovered through countless failures. We're also producing on a fairly large scale, so it should be easier to get hold of a variety of seeds. We only sell seedlings and divisions, so I hope people will enjoy the joy of gardening by growing them into cool looking plants with their own hands."
It was a paradise for plants that made me strongly want to try it out with the start of LED cultivation!
Corumnea minor
Columnea minor
Native to Ecuador and Colombia. This attractive Corumnea has flashy calyxes that resemble fireworks. There are various types with red, yellow, and purple color patterns. It is somewhat sensitive to heat.
Medinilla dolichophylla
Medinilla dolichophylla
Native to the Philippines. A member of the Melastomataceae family, its drooping flowers resemble a beautiful chandelier. Enjoy a long period of enjoyment from the time the flower buds sprout until they finish blooming. Prefers a cool, humid environment.
Columnea medicinalis
Columnea medicinalis
Native to Ecuador and Colombia. The beautiful bracts that encase the flowers are called columnea. Its name comes from its use as medicine by indigenous people. It grows relatively large and there are several types.
Anthurium pedatum
Anthurium pedatum
Native to Colombia, this anthurium has palmately divided leaves. The leaf shape varies slightly depending on the individual plant and the region, but the one in the photo is a good specimen with severely divided leaves.
Columnea microphylla
Columnea microphylla
Native to Ecuador. One of the native Corumnea species that is easy to grow and obtain. It is very similar to the species C. gloriosa, but as the name microphylla suggests, its leaves are smaller.
Columnea dimidiata
Columnea dimidiata
Native to Colombia. The chlorophyll at the tip of the leaf is lost, revealing a red pigment that shines like stained glass when viewed from below. This is thought to attract hummingbirds.
