Discovery of a Plant That Attracts Ants and Protects Legumes from Beetle Attacks

During my observations in the rainforest, I discovered a plant that forms a fascinating association with ants. The leaves of this plant secrete a substance that attracts ants and other insects, which feed on it. In return, the ants protect the plant and the species growing on it by attacking pests that try to damage them.
What’s interesting is that a wild legume (Vigna unguiculata) was growing using this ant-associated plant as a support. While other nearby legumes were being attacked by “lady beetles” (vaquitas), the one climbing on this plant showed no visible damage.
This led me to think that the association between the ant-attracting plant and the legume creates a protective relationship, where the ants act as a natural defense against the beetles.
Based on this, I’m experimenting with using this plant as a living support or companion species for other legumes that are more vulnerable to beetle attacks, in order to replicate this ecological defense.
I’d like to ask the community:
Have you seen other examples of similar associations where a plant that attracts ants or protective insects helps defend crops or wild species?
Have you observed cases where plant secretions create this kind of mutualistic alliance in agroforestry systems or food forests?


Cheers

My ants attack my okra, after 3 years finally they are saving some for me.  I've also witnessed the ant/aphid thing ...not a fan of that relationship yet either.   Hopefully the insect populations will soon find harmony with my plants as the overall fertility and biodiversity improve.   I will report back when there is better news!

Interesting observation Ronaldo - I'll have to keep an eye out. I have noticed that elder appear to have extrafloral nectaries on their leaves as do my fava beans.

Another thing i discovered Is that plant the segregate this attracting ants stuff has very superficial roots and it's possible to take the trees down just pushing. And The trees still lives. So this is helpful to create shades in particular places, i mean to adapt shades and this can be useful for example for cucurbits that cannot recibe hard sun directly.