MYRMECOPHYTE

Myr″me‐co‐phyte′ (?), n. [[Gr. μύρμηξ, μύρμηκοσ, ant + φυτόν plant.]] (Bot.) A plant that affords shelter and food to certain species of ants which live in symbiotic relations with it. Special adaptations for this purpose exist; thus, Acacia spadicigera has large hollows thorns, and species of Cecropia have stem cavities. — Myr′me‐co‐phyt″ic (#), a.