About Tacca integrifolia Ker Gawl.
Tacca integrifolia Ker Gawl. is a herb that grows from a thick, cylindrical rhizome, which reaches 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 plant structure including petioles measures around 50 by 20 cm (20 by 8 in), with tapering blade bases and slender pointed tips. White batflowers of this species that grow in hilly areas are larger than individuals growing in other locations. This species grows in the understorey of humid primary and secondary rainforests, where it occurs in rocky soil and sandy soil beneath leaf litter. In this species, the stamens attach to the perianth tube in a helmet-shaped arrangement. Combined with the flat-topped stigma lobes, these structures may form an insect trap. The flowers produce a detectable sweet musky odour, which likely attracts flies as pollinators. After pollination occurs, the scape bends over so that the developing fruits rest on the ground. The fruits are fleshy, dull in colour, and contain soft jelly-like pulp. It is thought that seeds are dispersed by rodents and other small mammals that feed on the fruits. On the Malay Peninsula, the dried leaves of this species are used to make cigarette wrappers.
