Common Names: giant taro
This study extracted protease inhibitors from a medicinal plant, identified their properties, and assessed their effects on immune response and cell viability. The results suggest potential immunomodulatory properties without harming cells.
Researchers in Borneo have discovered two new species of flies that they have named Colocasiomyia. The flies have a crucial role in pollinating a type of plant called Alocasia macrorrhizos. The study found that the flies feed, mate and lay eggs in the plant's inflorescences for one day before covering themselves in pollen grains and moving to another plant. The immature flies then hatch, develop and pupate within the plant without damaging the fruit, with adults emerging when the fruit ripens. The study showed that the flies are the most specialised and efficient pollinators for the plants and that the plant relies on the flies for food and habitat. This research provides a deeper understanding of the pollination mutualism between Araceae plants and Colocasiomyia flies.