cf. Macaranga, Matarombeo, Sulawesi Tenggara

[Aurélien]

First, I think this tree could be a Poikilospermum. Now, I'm quite convinced that it's a Macaranga sp. The island house 27 species, including 7 just described by withmore (2008). This genus of the family Euphorbiaceae is kow to have close relationships withs ants following Dr. Pierre Jolivet.

 

 

 

 

 

I was intrigued by the small agressive ants which stay on each leaves. Plant-associated ants or opportunistic ants? I don't know.

 

 

 

Perhaps these big and concave bract could be inhabited by ants. I don't see these insects in this young specimen. I had certainly to climb on adult trees,but I had no material for it this day.

 

 

I think this nub could also be dug by ants, but again, I don't see it here. Sorry for the poor quality of the picture.