Philodendron joepii

This is an incredibly special plant discovered by Joep Moonen.  It was found on the banks of the Matroni River in French Guiana in 1991.  When it was first sighted, it looked so malformed Joep Moonen thought it had been damaged by insects. Upon returning later, he realized this plant was growing on an ants nest.  He collected it and towed it behind the boat until the thousands of ants eventually dropped off.  Only two specimens were ever found in the wild, both along the Matroni River.  It’s leaves grow to 28″, and is slow growing in a terrarium.  In a greenhouse, it might be faster.

joepii & corrugatum