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Absorption of ant-provided carbon dioxide and nitrogen by a tropical epiphyte

Nature volume 375, pages 137–139 (1995)Cite this article

Abstract

ALTHOUGH ant-plant mutualisms have been described in many ecosystems, the magnitude of the direct benefits from such relationships are hard to quantify. In Bako National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia, stunted 'kerangas' forests occur on nutrient-poor sandstone hills1–3. As trees are widely spaced and have a sparse leaf area, a significant amount of light reaches the tree trunks and enables a diverse community of epiphytes to thrive there4. One of these epiphytes, Dischidia major (Vahl) Merr. (Asclepiadaceae), has evolved unusual methods for enhancing carbon and nitrogen acquisition. We show here that a mutualistic relationship exists between ants of the genus Philidris and their host, D. major. Using stable isotope analysis, we calculate that 39% of the carbon in occupied host plant leaves is derived from ant-related respiration, and that 29% of the host nitrogen is derived from debris deposited into the leaf cavities by ants.

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Author notes

  1. Kathleen K. Treseder

    Present address: Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, USA

    Kathleen K. Treseder, Diane W. Davidson & James R. Ehleringer

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  1. Kathleen K. Treseder
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  2. Diane W. Davidson
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  3. James R. Ehleringer
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Treseder, K., Davidson, D. & Ehleringer, J. Absorption of ant-provided carbon dioxide and nitrogen by a tropical epiphyte. Nature 375, 137–139 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1038/375137a0

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