About Tacca cristata Jack
Tacca integrifolia is a herb that grows from a thick, cylindrical rhizome, which can reach up to 12 cm (5 in) long and 3 cm (1 in) in diameter. Its oblong-elliptical or lanceolate leaf blades grow on long stems; the entire structure including petioles measures around 50 cm by 20 cm (20 in by 8 in). Leaves have tapering bases and slender pointed tips. White batflowers growing in hilly areas are larger than batflowers growing in other locations. This species grows in the understorey of humid primary and secondary rainforests. It grows in rocky or sandy soil located under leaf litter. The stamens of Tacca integrifolia are attached to the perianth tube in a helmet shape. Combined with the plant's flat-topped stigma lobes, these structures may form an insect trap. A sweet musky scent has been noticed from the flowers, which may attract flies to act as pollinators. After pollination occurs, the scape bends over, and the developing fruits rest on the ground. The fleshy fruits are dull in color and contain soft jelly-like pulp. It is possible that seeds are dispersed by rodents and other small mammals that feed on the fruits. On the Malay Peninsula, the dried leaves of this plant are used to make cigarette wrappers.
