The common name, ant tree, refers to the mutually beneficial association between the tree and certain ant species. The tree's hollow trunk provides shelter for some types of Pseudomyrmex ants,while the ants provide protection from potential aggressors toward the tree by attacking them upon touch.

The CABI database page for this species provides more detailed information about growing conditions, and about the potential for the species to become naturalized. It propagates naturally via wind borne seeds. Although it is native to Central America, because it is grown as an ornamental tree, it now has a global distribution, and in several parts of the world (including parts of the Caribbean, South Africa, and northern Queensland, Australia), it has already become naturalized, with the potential of becoming invasive, and out-competing native plants.

Reply to this comment