Looks like you have an infestation of Psendococcus andonidum ( Long-tailed Mealybug).
Life cycle; female gives birth to live nymphs, they gather in groups to feed and secrete a honeydew that attracts ants. Male nymphs prepare fragile silken cocoons, in which they shed the final nymphal skin, and emerge with 1 pair of wings. Females do not spin cocoons and grow gradually into adults. Reproduction rate several generations a year.
Many home and commercial cure are available; I do suggest using a 2x or stronger magnifier to examine the plant(s), so as to insure none are missed after the eradication process.
|