ant tree
Triplaris americana
Overview
The ant tree, or Triplaris americana, is a deciduous tree native to the forests of North and South America. With its thick, yellow-green bark, compact form, and dark green compound leaves, the ant tree can grow to up to 50 feet in height. It produces small, pale yellow flowers followed by green, pouch-like fruits with three wings that appear in late spring. The tree is named for its ant-attraction properties; hundreds of ants will swarm over the tree, eating the fruits and harvesting the sap produced by Triplaris americana, which they use in their complex defenses. The unique ant-attraction of the ant tree provides the most obvious benefit to its environment.
Care Guide
Watering
Frequent
Light
Full sun.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 10-12.
Pruning
Best pruned in February, March, April.
Propagation
Air Layering Propagation, Grafting Propagation, Cutting, Seed Propagation
Related plants
Other plants you might like if you grow ant tree.
