This entire line of speculation is nothing more, at least with regard
to Coryanthes. Simple entomological information is all that is needed.
If the scientific papers and books discussing Coryanthes ecology are
consulted one will find the continued reference to species of
Coryanthes growing upon ant nests, not ant nests forming amongst the
roots; though this sequence or option is not firmly established. Ants
are opportunists and many species would be expected to occupy a
collection of leaf litter and compost accumulated amongst roots, of any
plant. [Example: only two days ago I found an ant nest among the
compost covered roots of a large Stelis sp. growing on a dead
side-trunk of an Inga edula growing as a shade tree over coffee at ca.
1900 m in the Nor Yungas of Bolivia - the ants were rather pissed that
I disturbed their home!] [If you prefer another example, how about the
little ant nest among the leaf litter and compost covered roots and
pseudobulbs of a specimen of a Gongora sp., which happens to be growing
at the La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica (I found that one in
February)] [Or, how about the numerous ant nests commonly found in the
moss and lichens on branches of trees well endowed with orchids,
bromeliads, and other epiphytes, none of which are ant symbiotes.]
Further, there is not a symbiotic relationship as assumed in the
uncritical popular literature, but rather a mutualistic one; the ants
are simply taking advantage of a nesting site resource and the plants
are simply taking advantage of a reliable nutrient source, until shown
otherwise. The eliasome/"extra floral nectary" scenario of ants and
Coryanthes is not unique, but is mirrored among many plant/ant
associations. The fact that Coryanthes can be cultivated sans ants
belies symbiosis speculations. Any upward directed roots are more
likely following a potential nutrient source; species of Stanhopea will
do similar growths, even in cultivation (at least mine do so). Follow
the data and use reasonable corollaries. Without it speculation is
akin to the oxymoronic intelligent design ranting.
Paul
On 07 Apr 2005, at 06:17 PM, Marquis & Jennifer Hodes wrote:
Peter O'Byrne, in orchid expert mode, opined in OGD V7#184:
That is precisely what I had in mind. The ants do indeed nest
underneath and around the plant's main roots, which must surely reduce
the amount of water the plant receives. It is interesting that so many
people report their cultivated plants flowering without forming
catch-roots; this rather suggests that the plant makes catch-roots in
response to ant nests, not vice-versa, although in Acriopsis
liliifolia the root-structure seems designed to accomodate an ant's
nest.
Or, perhaps, it is the water-at-the-roots that rules. If the ants
prevent too much
Water from getting to the roots, and the plant, in response to the
anhydrosis, throws
Up catch-roots, then this phenomenon may be seen in the greenhouses of
chronic
Under-waterers and the absence of catch-roots might be seen in the
greenhouses of
Those who provide adequate (or excessive?) water.
Can we have a poll? Answer the following two questions: (if you grow
any of the plants
mentioned as producing catch-roots)
1. Do your plants exhibit catch root production?
2. Are you a chronic over/under/justright waterer?
If the answers are sent to me I will tabulate and report â•„ this may
keep the list from being cluttered with too many ╲1. yes / 2.
under╡ type messages.
Thanks in advance to any who participate.
Marquis Z. Hodes, MD, PhD
Currently in bloom: Galeandra stangeana, Galeandra pubicentrum,
Phaius tankervilliae and some orange Cattleya hybrid my kids bought
(it is contagious!).
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_______________________________________________
the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD)
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http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
