# Macaranga

**Family:** Euphorbiaceae

_**Macaranga**_ is a large [genus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genus) of [Old World](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_World) [tropical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical) trees of the [family](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_(biology)) [Euphorbiaceae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphorbiaceae) and the only genus in the [subtribe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subtribe) **Macaranginae**. Native to [Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa), [Australasia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australasia), [Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia) and various islands of the [Indian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Ocean) and [Pacific Oceans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Ocean), the genus comprises over 300 different [species](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Species). It was first described as a genus in 1806, based on specimens collected on the Island of [Mauritius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauritius).

_Macaranga_ is noted for being [recolonizers](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Recolonizer&action=edit&redlink=1). _Macaranga_ species are used as food plants by the [larvae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larva) of some [Lepidoptera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidoptera) species including _[Endoclita malabaricus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endoclita)_. _Macaranga_ species often form symbioses with ant ( [Formicidae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formicidae)) species (particularly _[Crematogaster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crematogaster)_ ants of the subgenus _[Decacrema](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Decacrema&action=edit&redlink=1)_) because they have hollow stems that can serve as nesting space and occasionally provide nectar. The trees benefit because the ants attack herbivorous insects and either drive them away or feed on them.

[**Source:** Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaranga)