Ensete glauca and ants
 

I have a large E. glauca (over 7 feet so far) that for the summer is planted in my backyard. It seems to be doing fine, with excellent new leaf production. I was trimming off the dark ends of petiole stubs on the p-stem when I discovered masses of very small 'ants' (I guess), many carrying a white substance. Is this just ants enjoying the old nectar, or is this something to worry about? Thanks.

Re: Ensete glauca and ants
 

Don't know if you got this in the P.M. I sent so I'll post here



Ptilotus exaltatus var.villosus

Re: Ensete glauca and ants
 

Thanks for the info, Tony. I love this plant.

Re: Ensete glauca and ants
 

Could the ants be farming aphids?

Re: Ensete glauca and ants
 

Possible. They were so small I could barely see them without my readers. I'll check; thanks for the suggestion.

Re: Ensete glauca and ants
 

Could the white substance be eggs? When they move a colony they carry the eggs on their backs to the new location.

Re: Ensete glauca and ants
 

usually when you see ants you have aphids. especially if it's those little tiny ants.

Re: Ensete glauca and ants
 

This turned out to be the glauca now blooming. Wonder at the relationship. Not pulling off any p-stem material now that she's preggers.

Re: Ensete glauca and ants
 

Congrats Howard!!

Re: Ensete glauca and ants
 

super cool...congratulations!