Gongora, abbreviated Gga in horticultural trade, is a member of the orchid family (Orchidaceae).

They grow across a wide geographical range, from wet forests at sea level, to mountainous regions in the Andes, as high as 1,800 m. The name comes from Antonio Caballero y Gongora, a viceroy of New Granada (Colombia and Ecuador) and the governor of Peru during the Ruiz and Pavón botanical expedition.

Some roots will travel, seeking out additional anchoring and nutrients, growing vertically/sideways rather than simply hanging down.

However, the ants do not prey on these pests; the bugs suck sap from the orchid (or any plant), and ultimately create waste excrement in the form of a "sweet" liquid, referred to as honeydew.

Ants find this addicting; they will meticulously maintain the pest insect's population by caring for them, and guarding them, on the orchid plant.

Whenever an ant is fatigued, they will simply approach an aphid/mealybug and "tap" its abdomen, communicating they are ready to "feed".

The pollinia are superposed on a stipe (a cellular pollinium stalk), which is held by a viscid disc.