Bat lily

[budak]

Tacca intergrifolia, the bat lily. This herbaceous plant is actually a pretty common understorey grower in local forests. But the aroid-like habit (it's no coincidence the plant's Malay name is keladi murai or magpie yam) is generally unremarkable except during the flowering period. The recent wet and cool weather has probably helped to trigger off a bout of blooming.

A swarm of tiny flies, probably the species' pollinators, can be seen hovering around the inflorescene on the right. Taccas are reputed to make good houseplants, as they thrive in shaded conditions. Their relative unpopularity amongst local cubicle gardeners may be attributed to the supposed inauspiciousness, and to some spooky appearance, of the dark-coloured flowers. My duck, on the other hand, wouldn't bat an eyelid if anyone should offer me a pot of this beauty....

[mervin]

very interesting plant there Budak !
shot locally ?

[ranmasatome]

let me go find out what those flies are.. or at least try..hehehe..