Researchers have revealed an unusual relationship between one tropical pitcher plant and bats. Nepenthes hemsleyana is native to the forests of Borneo and relies on bat guano to satiate its hunger. Bat guano is a brilliant source of all the nutrients for the plant. Moreover, there is no worry of digestion.

A new study has helped researchers uncover an unusual relationship between one tropical pitcher plant and bats. The researchers found Nepenthes hemsleyana feeds on bat guano to get all the nutrients it requires to thrive.

Through a new study, the researchers have determined that bats' ultrasonic calls are reflected back to them by special structures being developed by N. hemsleyana. This allows the plant to attract bats to roost in its pitcher so that it can feed on poop of the animal.

"With these structures, the plants are able to acoustically stand out from their environments so that bats can easily find them. Moreover, the bats are clearly able to distinguish their plant partner from other plants that are similar in shape but lack the conspicuous reflector", said Michael Schöner, lead author of the study and a biologist at Germany's University of Greifswald.

The researchers say the study has helped them understand how mutualism develops in the natural world. The relationship uncovered by scientists between bats and N. hemsleyana clearly shows how two organisms of different species benefit from each other.

Carnivorous cousins of N. hemsleyana are adept at catching insects. However, N. hemsleyana is deprived of this ability, which is why it has other ways out to ensure it does not starve to death. Some insect-eating bats are provided with a spacious, stable and parasite-free roosting spot by the plant.

Details of the study have been published in the journal Current Biology's July issue.