This Plant FAKES an Aphid Infestation

On a recent walk I discovered a plant crawling with ants that appeared to have aphids on the stem of the leaf. The growths, called "Extrafloral Nectaries", were secreting tiny droplets of sap that the ants were drinking.
I believe this is a young chokecherry plant that is mimicking an aphid infestation to trick the ants into thinking it already has aphids. The ants may protect the plant from pests. This amazing adaptation blew my mind!
If you would like to support what I do please consider joining my Patreon, thank you. / giveitagrow
Music: Song of Sadhana by Jesse Gallagher

[@GiveitaGrow]

This is a re-upload to fix a few editing mistakes. Also thank you to my buddy Charmanr for finding out these are called "Extrafloral Nectaries".

[@Lord_Engine]

Even ants enjoy a good soft drink too I guess.

[@JohnSmith-fj3uf]

Many Passiflora have similar structures at base of leaf. The theory from a garden club meeting was the ants benefited the plants by eating caterpillars or their eggs would. More seemed to come out when I put a piece of purple passion fruit vine in water for rooting and I tasted a tiny drop sweet with no unpleasant taste. Figured even if some poison it was a small dose. I was surprised to see some similar bumps and ants on a peach twig recently.

[@tvadjoseph6186]

Super interesting. Thanks for making the video.

[@GiveitaGrow]

Thanks for watching.

[@benjaminthomasson]

Thanks for the observation.

[@Archaeos0up]

Really interesting!

[@GiveitaGrow]

Nature is infinitely fascinating!

[@NicholeRhav]

Thank you for this.

[@GiveitaGrow]

My pleasure :)

[@tjcihlar1]

I've seen the same on passionfruit.

[@charmanr]

Another great video! I really enjoyed this one.

[@GiveitaGrow]

Thanks for the help on this one Char.

[@charmanr]

@@GiveitaGrow You're welcome, glad to be of help.

[@lizard2425]

Fascinating!

[@GiveitaGrow]

Its amazing what you can see if you look a little closer.

[@isabelledelon3810]

Interresting

[@videoedits3584]

great video

[@GiveitaGrow]

Thanks :)

[@authormichellefranklin]

Amazing!

[@GiveitaGrow]

Mother Nature is full of surprises!