They carry modified leaves, offering accommodation to ants, including those of the family Dolichoderinae, (most commonly Iridomyrmex myrmecodiae)[1] and in return gain some sustenance from increased carbon dioxide and nitrogen levels, and a degree of protection from noxious animals and plants.

These modified leaves, pitchers or ascidia, are purplish and richly dotted with stomata on the inner surface,[4] and have an opening at the top end near the stalk.

Organic debris and rainwater, possibly augmented by secreted fluids, accumulate in the cavity over the course of time, offering a source of nutrition which the plant uses by growing roots into the chamber.

[5][6] Dischidia major flowers are yellow striped with green, and arranged in few or many-flowered umbels.

The fruit of D. major consists of the usual horn-shaped pair of follicles while the seed has a tuft of silky hairs at one end and includes an edible portion or elaiosome as incentive for ants to move the seed (myrmecochory) into nests inside the tree with an improved chance of germination and growth.