In what might be viewed as an example of either a mutually beneficial association or a protection racket, this plant has developed a swollen caudex (junction of stem and tuber or root) that is riddled with hollow chambers that serve nicely as ant residences. The caudex becomes far more swollen than shown in these photos. In exchange for the living quarters, the ants keep away plant-eaters such as slugs and snails. They also provide fertilizing detritus. Unlike most caudiciform plants, this one is a water-lover that occurs in tropical swamps, or at least moist forests. It's an epiphyte, so tends to grow in or on bark, rather than in soil. It requires quite warm temperatures, and works well in terraria, being of small stature. Maylasia.
