Nepenthes, popularly known as pitcher plants, are among the most fascinating carnivorous plants in the world. With an astonishing diversity of forms, habitats, and capture strategies, these tropical species primarily inhabit regions of Asia, Oceania, and Pacific islands.
In this article, we’ve assembled a comprehensive compilation with detailed descriptions of nearly all Nepenthes species cataloged to date. Each entry presents information on geographic distribution, typical altitude, morphology, interesting facts, and conservation threats, in a format ideal for both researchers and botany enthusiasts.
Prepare to explore a true botanical universe — from sea level to the mountainous peaks of the Philippines, Borneo, Sumatra, and beyond.

Nepenthes Abalata (0m–50m)
Nepenthes abalata is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to three islands in the Philippines: Culion, Cuyo, and Malalison, where it occurs in open and shrubby environments, near sea level, between 0 and 50 meters in altitude. This species is one of the few Nepenthes that adapt to coastal habitats.
The epithet “abalata” refers to its historical association with Nepenthes alata, reflecting the morphological similarity that initially led to its classification as a variation of this broader species.
Morphologically, it features elongated pitchers with generally greenish coloration and subtle markings, adapted for capture in sun-exposed environments. The plant is robust and well-acclimated to sandy soils and low-growing vegetation. Although there is no detailed data on its symbiotic ecology, its occurrence in coastal ecosystems makes it of interest for studies of extreme adaptation.
Nepenthes Abgracilis (620m–720m)
Restricted to the northeastern part of Mindanao island in the Philippines, Nepenthes abgracilis is found in a narrow altitudinal range, between 620 and 720 meters above sea level, in humid mountain forests.
The species is considered critically endangered, as its distribution is limited to a single known locality. The name “abgracilis” reflects its similarity to other species in the gracilis group, although it presents marked differences in pitcher morphology and leaf structure.
Its pitchers are thin, elongated, and elegantly curved, usually in light tones with dark linear markings. The plant has narrow leaves and a vertical growth habit. Its rarity and ecological isolation make this Nepenthes one of the most vulnerable in the region.
Nepenthes Adnata (600m–1200m)
Nepenthes adnata is a species endemic to Western Sumatra, Indonesia, where it grows under dense vegetation at altitudes of 600 to 1200 meters. Discovered in 1957 and formally described only in 1986, it is known for its compact size and discreet habits.
It has a cylindrical stem and leathery, lanceolate leaves. The pitchers, both lower and upper, have an ovoid to cylindrical shape, with purple-reddish coloration spots and a prominent glandular zone. The inflorescence is racemose, and there are no records of natural hybrids.
It is considered a sensitive species, especially in the face of threats such as forest fires and predatory collection. Phylogenetically, it appears to be related to other Sumatran species, such as N. gymnamphora, N. longifolia, and N. albomarginata.
Nepenthes Adrianii (950m–2000m)
Native to the mountainous regions of Central Java, Indonesia, Nepenthes adrianii is a species that grows between 950 and 2000 meters in altitude, with a preference for humid forests and epiphytic environments — developing on moss-covered tree trunks.
The plant features pitchers with variable coloration, usually yellowish-green with reddish stripes or spots. The peristome is gently undulated, and the upper pitchers tend to be more slender than the lower ones. The leaves are broad with a semi-leathery texture.
Its name is a tribute to Adrian, an Indonesian amateur botanist known for his involvement in documenting local Nepenthes species. Although not considered threatened on a large scale, habitat loss due to agriculture and forest extraction represents a potential risk to its populations.
Nepenthes Aenigma (1150m-1250m)
Nepenthes aenigma is a tropical carnivorous plant known from two mountains in the province of Ilocos Norte, on the Philippine island of Luzon, where it grows at an altitude of about 1200 meters above sea level. The species is notable for growing amid dense vegetation and in deep shade. It shows similarities to N. burkei and N. ventricosa.
The species was originally discovered in April 2002 by ornithologist Herman Nuytemans and was only rediscovered in the wild a little more than 10 years later. Before its formal description, the species was known by the provisional name “Nepenthes sp. Luzon”.
The specific epithet “aenigma” is Latin and means “enigma” or “riddle” and refers to the “very unusual ecological preferences” of the species to grow in deep shade.
Nepenthes Alata (550m-1650m)
Nepenthes alata is a tropical carnivorous plant known as the winged pitcher plant, endemic to the Philippines. It attracts insects with its nectar, which end up drowning in the plant’s pitchers and being digested by it. This species shows great variation in coloration and morphology, and its taxonomy is still being revised.
Traditionally, N. alata was considered a highly diverse species, present on all major islands of the Philippine archipelago. However, recent research conducted by Martin Cheek and Matthew Jebb in 2013 redefined N. alata to include only the populations of northern and central Luzon, which have conspicuously hairy pitchers. Other plants previously classified as N. alata were designated as new species, such as N. graciliflora, N. negros, and N. ramos. The “hairy N. alata” from Luzon has an altitudinal range of 550 meters or more.
Nepenthes Alba (1600m-2187m)
Nepenthes alba is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Malay Peninsula. Its specific name, alba, derives from the Latin word “albus,” meaning “white,” and refers to the color of its upper pitchers.
Nepenthes alba is known for its distinctive characteristics, especially its white-colored upper pitchers. These pitchers have a unique and attractive appearance, which contributes to its popularity among carnivorous plant enthusiasts.
It is found in the humid forests of the Malay Peninsula, where it benefits from the warm and humid climate of this region.
Due to its beauty and uniqueness, Nepenthes alba is highly valued by collectors and lovers of exotic plants. Its natural presence in the Malay Peninsula is a treasure and an important part of the biodiversity of this region.
Nepenthes Albomarginata (0m–1100m)
Nepenthes albomarginata is a tropical carnivorous species widely distributed in Southeast Asia, occurring in Borneo, Sumatra, and the Peninsular Malaysia, from coastal areas to altitudes of approximately 1100 meters above sea level. It is one of the few Nepenthes species with wide inter-island distribution and remarkable ecological plasticity.
The specific name “albomarginata” originates from the Latin words albus (white) and marginatus (margin), alluding to the white band of trichomes present in the region below the peristome of the pitchers — one of its main morphological characteristics.
It is a climbing plant, with stems that can exceed 4 meters in length, leathery and lanceolate leaves that reach up to 25 cm, and a peculiar detail: absence of petiole, which distinguishes it from many other species.
Its lower pitchers are bulbous and relatively small, up to 15 cm in height, and display the iconic band of white trichomes — which often disappears after termite capture. The upper pitchers are more elongated, cylindrical, without wings and with discrete ribs, maintaining the visual elegance of the species.
Nepenthes albomarginata is notable for its exclusive ecological specialization in capturing termites, a rare adaptation in the genus. The band of white trichomes acts as a visual and chemical attractant for these social insects, being consumed by them shortly before falling into the pitcher. This relationship is considered an advanced form of predatory symbiosis, highly efficient and unique among carnivorous plants.
Its inflorescence is racemose, with size variation between male and female plants. It was first collected by Thomas Lobb in 1848 and described by John Lindley in 1849, being introduced to European cultivation as early as 1856.
Despite its wide distribution, the species is valued both for its beauty and its unique ecological behavior, being an object of scientific interest and one of the favorites among Nepenthes collectors.
Nepenthes Alfredoi (160m-345m)
Nepenthes alfredoi is a carnivorous plant species belonging to the Nepenthaceae family. It is endemic to the island of Palawan in the Philippines. The plant was named in honor of Alfredo Alcala, a renowned Filipino illustrator and conservationist.
Nepenthes alfredoi is found in humid forest areas and mountains of Palawan, generally at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,600 meters. This species prefers cool and humid environments, with high humidity and filtered light. It usually grows in poor soils, such as sandy or clay soils.
Nepenthes Alzapan (1750m-1850m)
Nepenthes alzapan is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Philippine island of Luzon. It is known only from a few specimens collected in 1925 in a submontane moss forest, at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level. This species is closely related to Nepenthes bellii and has equally diminutive pitchers.
The specific epithet “alzapan” refers to Mount Alzapan, located in the Sierra Madre mountains, from where the type material was collected.
Nepenthes Ampullaria (0m–2100m)
Nepenthes ampullaria is a notoriously distinct tropical carnivorous species, widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia, occurring in Borneo, Maluku Islands, New Guinea, Sumatra, Malay Peninsula, Thailand, Singapore, and various smaller islands. It can be found at altitudes ranging from sea level to about 2100 meters, occupying a wide range of humid and shaded environments.
It has been recorded in different forest types, including kerangas, peat swamp forests, degraded areas, and even vegetation associated with rice fields. In Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, its occurrence is more common below 1100 meters, especially in poor and flat soils.
What makes N. ampullaria exceptional within the genus is its ecological behavior: it is a partially detritivorous plant. Its pitchers, unlike most Nepenthes, are adapted to collect decomposing organic matter, such as fallen leaves, which are then passively digested. This strategy represents an evolutionary departure from active insect capture, although it still maintains carnivorous characteristics.
The species has light brown stems that can reach up to 15 meters in length, and light green leaves, up to 25 cm long by 6 cm wide. The lower pitchers are numerous, with a globose to ampulliform shape (which inspires the species name), arranged close to the ground like a “trap carpet.” The upper pitchers are rare or absent, evidencing its ecological specialization at ground level.
The specific name “ampullaria” comes from the Latin ampulla, meaning “flask” or “bottle,” in direct reference to the peculiar shape of its bulbous pitchers.
Nepenthes ampullaria is widely valued in ornamental cultivation and frequently used in hybrid crossings due to its sculptural beauty and hardiness. Its unique combination of feeding strategy and aesthetics makes it one of the most emblematic species of the genus.
Nepenthes Andamana (0m-50m)
Nepenthes andamana is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Phang Nga province, Thailand, where it grows near sea level in coastal savannas and grasslands. It is considered to be most closely related to N. suratensis.
It has a climbing stem that can reach about 3 meters in height, with leathery leaves up to 30 cm long and 3.5 cm wide. Its lower and upper traps have an ovate shape and measure up to 16 cm in height by 5 cm in width. The lower traps have a green to orange coloration with red stripes, while the aerial traps are lighter, ranging from yellow to white on the outer surface.
Nepenthes Angasanensis (2200m-2800m)
Nepenthes angasanensis is a carnivorous plant species endemic to Sumatra, where it grows at altitudes ranging from 1,400 meters to 3,100 meters above sea level. The taxonomic status of this species is controversial, as its morphology is similar to that of N. mikei and N. tobaica. Some researchers have suggested that this taxon may represent a natural hybrid between N. densiflora and N. tobaica.
Nepenthes angasanensis has morphological characteristics that distinguish it from other closely related species. Its pitchers are generally large and have a distinct form. However, due to the similarity with other species and the possibility of hybridization, the precise classification of this plant is still a matter of debate among experts.
Nepenthes Appendiculata (1450m-1700m)
Nepenthes appendiculata is a carnivorous plant known only from the Hose Mountains, located in central Sarawak, Borneo. This species grows at elevations ranging from 1450 to 1700 meters above sea level. The name “appendiculata” refers to a distinctive feature of this species, which is the presence of an enlarged glandular appendage on the lower surface of the pitcher lid.
Due to its limited distribution to the Hose Mountains in Sarawak, Nepenthes appendiculata is considered an endemic species and has a conservation status that requires special attention. Habitat loss due to deforestation and other human activities represents a threat to the survival of this species.
Nepenthes Argentii (1400m-1900m)
Nepenthes argentii is a carnivorous plant of the genus Nepenthes, native to Mount Guiting-Guiting on Sibuyan Island, Philippines. It was named in honor of George Argent. This species is possibly the smallest in the genus and does not exhibit a climbing growth phase.
Nepenthes argentii inhabits subalpine shrublands, in a region with a gentle canopy of approximately 30 cm in height, on an ultrabasic ridge. It grows at an elevation of 1400 to 1900 meters.
On Mount Guiting-Guiting, N. argentii coexists with N. sibuyanensis at altitudes around 1600 to 1770 meters. There is a taxon similar to N. alata that grows on Mount Guiting-Guiting at lower altitudes, between 800 and 1000 meters. This taxon was described as N. graciliflora by Adolph Daniel Edward Elmer.
Nepenthes Aristolochioides (1800m-2500m)
Nepenthes aristolochioides is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Sumatra, where it grows at altitudes of 1800 to 2500 meters above sea level. It has an extremely unusual trap morphology, with an almost vertical opening to its pitchers. The species is critically endangered due to excessive collection.
The specific epithet “aristolochioides” is formed by the genus name Aristolochia and the Latin suffix “-oides,” meaning “similar to.” This refers to the similarity that the pitchers of this species have, both in form and pigmentation, to the specialized flowers of Aristolochia.
Nepenthes Armin (500m-850m)
Nepenthes armin is a tropical pitcher-shaped carnivorous plant native to the Philippines. The type specimen was collected in 1989 on Sibuyan Island, at an elevation of 750 meters above sea level.
The specific epithet “armin” is a tribute to Armin Rios Marin, probably a researcher or individual who made significant contributions to the study or discovery of Nepenthes armin.
Nepenthes Attenboroughii (1450m-1726m)
Nepenthes attenboroughii was named in honor of the renowned presenter and naturalist Sir David Attenborough, who is a passionate enthusiast of this genus. The species is characterized by its large and distinct bell-shaped pitchers, both lower and upper, and by the narrow and erect lid.
The type specimen of N. attenboroughii was collected at the summit of Mount Victoria, an ultramafic mountain in central Palawan, Philippines.
Nepenthes attenboroughii was discovered by Alastair RobAngasanensisinson, Stewart R. McPherson, and Volker B. Heinrich in June 2007, during a two-month expedition to catalog the different species of carnivorous plants found in the Philippine Archipelago. The expedition was initiated after missionaries reported having seen giant Nepenthes on the mountain in 2000.
The specific name “ampullaria” comes from the Latin ampulla, meaning “flask” or “bottle,” in direct reference to the peculiar shape of its bulbous pitchers.
Nepenthes ampullaria is widely valued in ornamental cultivation and frequently used in hybrid crossings due to its sculptural beauty and hardiness. Its unique combination of feeding strategy and aesthetics makes it one of the most emblematic species of the genus.
Nepenthes Barcelonae (1500m-1905m)
Nepenthes barcelonae is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Philippine island of Luzon. It is found on a single mountain in the Sierra Madre range, in Aurora province, where it grows in submontane forests. The specific epithet “barcelonae” is a tribute to Julie F. Barcelona, who discovered the species in February 2014, together with Danilo Tandang and Pieter B. Pelser.
Nepenthes barcelonae inhabits submontane forests at altitudes of 1500-1700 meters above sea level, in the Sierra Madre mountains, in Luzon, Philippines. The exact locality was not included in the species description to avoid pressure on wild populations from enthusiasts.
Nepenthes Beccariana (0m-800m)
Nepenthes beccariana is a tropical carnivorous plant known as a pitcher plant. The species was described in 1908 by John Muirhead Macfarlane based on a specimen collected on the island of Nias, located off the west coast of Sumatra. It appears to be closely related to both N. longifolia and N. sumatrana, with the former possibly being a heterotypic synonym of this taxon.
Nepenthes beccariana was formally described by John Muirhead Macfarlane in his 1908 monograph, “Nepenthaceae.” It was named in honor of the Italian naturalist Odoardo Beccari. Macfarlane’s description includes a drawing of N. beccariana, showing the leaf blade, a lower pitcher, and an upper pitcher.
Nepenthes Bellii (0m-800m)
Nepenthes bellii, also known as Bell’s carnivorous plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Philippine islands of Mindanao and Dinagat, where it grows at elevations of 0 to 800 meters above sea level. Its specific name “bellii” is a tribute to the American botanist Clyde Ritchie Bell.
Nepenthes bellii is a climbing plant that can reach up to 2.5 meters in height, and occasionally up to 10 meters. Its stem is branched and can spread through vegetation or grow close to the ground.
This carnivorous plant species is common in Dinagat and northern Mindanao, Philippines. Its altitudinal distribution ranges from 0 to 800 meters above sea level. It grows in habitats such as low-altitude swamp forests, exposed sites, lower montane forests with low vegetation, disturbed or recovering areas with secondary vegetation, and sometimes along roadsides that cross the forest. It is often found together with the species Nepenthes merrilliana and Nepenthes mindanaoensis, with which it can form natural hybrids.
Nepenthes Benstonei (150m-1350m)
Nepenthes benstonei is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Peninsular Malaysia, where it grows at altitudes of 150 to 1350 meters above sea level. The specific epithet “benstonei” is a tribute to botanist Benjamin Clemens Stone, one of the first to collect the species. It is a climbing plant that can reach a length of 10 meters.
Nepenthes Berbulu (1400m-2100m)
Nepenthes berbulu is endemic to the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. The name “berbulu” means “hairy” in Indonesian, referring to the hairy characteristics found on the external parts of the plant.
Nepenthes berbulu is a climbing plant, with stems that can grow up to several meters in length. Its leaves are leathery and can be up to 25 centimeters long. The pitchers of this species are relatively small, measuring about 10 centimeters in height. They have a light green coloration with red spots and are covered with short, erect hairs.
Nepenthes Biak (0m-50m)
Nepenthes biak is a tropical pitcher-shaped carnivorous plant endemic to the Indonesian island of Biak, from which it received its name. Biak is part of the Schouten Islands, located in Cenderawasih Bay, and is administered as part of the Biak Numfor Regency, in Papua Province.
This species grows near sea level, usually on coastal limestone cliffs, although it can occasionally be found as an epiphyte on mangrove trees.
Nepenthes Bicalcarata (0m–700m)
Nepenthes bicalcarata is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to northwestern Borneo, where it predominantly inhabits peat swamp forests, kerangas, and areas with white sandy soil. It typically grows in the shade of dipterocarp trees, usually at altitudes between sea level and 300 meters, although there are records of occurrence up to 700 meters above sea level.
Its name comes from the Latin bi- (two) and calcaratus (with spurs), a direct reference to the two prominent spine-like structures located under the pitcher lid — one of the trademarks of the species. These “spurs” not only give it a unique appearance but also participate in nectar secretion, attracting prey.
Morphologically, it is a vigorous and impressive plant, with leaves that can exceed 80 cm in length, inserted in hollow stems that serve as shelter for ants. The pitchers, although not the largest in the genus, can contain more than 1 liter of digestive fluid, making them highly efficient traps.
Nepenthes bicalcarata is widely recognized for maintaining an obligate mutualistic relationship with the ant Camponotus schmitzi — one of the best-documented examples of symbiosis between a carnivorous plant and an insect.
The ants inhabit the hollow stems of the plant, using them as shelter and base of operation. In exchange, they assist in defending the plant against herbivores and cleaning the pitchers, removing debris that could accelerate the decomposition of the digestive fluid. Moreover, the ants drag larger prey into the pitchers, enabling the digestion of organisms that, alone, would hardly be captured.
The ants are attracted to the nectary glands located at the base of the lid and on the pitcher spurs, where they walk, leave pheromone trails, and encourage other ants in the colony to collaborate. The nutrients obtained through the ants’ excreta and processed food remains directly benefit the plant, making this partnership an extremely successful survival strategy in nutrient-poor environments.
Nepenthes bicalcarata is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, mainly due to the accelerated loss of habitat in swamp forest regions, frequently drained for agricultural and timber exploitation. Its presence is limited to highly specialized and fragile ecosystems, which reinforces the urgency of its conservation.
In addition to its ecological and botanical value, the species is a true symbol of the complexity of natural interactions and one of the most extraordinary examples of coevolution between plants and animals in the tropical flora of Southeast Asia.
Nepenthes Bokorensis (800m-1080m)
Nepenthes bokorensis is a climbing plant that can reach up to 7 meters in height. It is endemic to Cambodia, specifically to Mount Bokor (also known as Phnom Bokor or Bokor Hill), in the south of the country. There are indications that it may also be present in other parts of the Dâmrei Mountains, in Kampot province. The specific name “bokorensis” refers to both Mount Bokor and Bokor National Park.
Nepenthes Bongso (1000m-2700m)
Nepenthes bongso is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the island of Sumatra, where it has an altitudinal distribution between 1000 and 2700 meters above sea level. The specific epithet “bongso” refers to the Indonesian legend of Putri Bungsu, which means “youngest daughter” and is the guardian spirit of Mount Marapi.
The species was formally described by Pieter Willem Korthals in his 1839 monograph, “Over het geslacht Nepenthes” (On the genus Nepenthes).
Nepenthes Boschiana (1200m-1800m)
Nepenthes boschiana is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Borneo. It is most closely related to the species Nepenthes faizaliana. Nepenthes borneensis is considered a synonym of this species. No natural hybrids of Nepenthes boschiana are known, and no valid forms or varieties have been described.
The species was formally described by Pieter Willem Korthals in his 1839 monograph, “Over het geslacht Nepenthes”. B. H. Danser, in his 1928 monograph entitled “The Nepenthaceae of the Netherlands Indies”, described the following:
Korthals reports that the natives who accompanied him on Mount Sakoembang collected the unopened ascidia, as the water they contained was used as a medicine against eye inflammation, while others cut open ascidia as toys for their children. He describes the habitat as sterile, open, and rocky. The vernacular name “daoen sompitan” is translated by him as “blowpipe leaf”; according to dictionaries, this is correct.
Nepenthes Bracteosa (710m-760m)
Nepenthes bracteosa is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand.
Nepenthes Burbidgeae (1200m-1800m)
Nepenthes Burbidge is a tropical carnivorous plant with irregular distribution around Mount Kinabalu and neighboring Mount Tambuyukon, in Sabah, Borneo. It is a strong climbing plant that quickly enters the climbing phase. The stem can reach 15 meters in length.
Nepenthes burbidgeae is considered a plant of exceptional beauty. Its unique characteristics, such as the large, unconstricted lower ascidia, the fringed wings, and the expanded peristome, contribute to its aesthetic attractiveness. The ascidia can present an interesting color combination, ranging from shades of green to red and brown, which adds even more visual appeal to the plant.
Nepenthes Burkei (1100m-2000m)
Nepenthes burkei is native to the Philippine islands, more specifically to the islands of Palawan and Mindoro. Nepenthes burkei grow as climbers or lianas, with thin and flexible stems that can reach considerable lengths.
Nepenthes Cabanae (1000m-1050m)
Nepenthes cabanae is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Mount Malimumu, in the Pantaron Range, in central Mindanao, Philippines, raising the total number of Nepenthes species in this range to eight. Nepenthes cabanae is believed to be closest to Nepenthes surigaoensis.
Nepenthes Campanulata (100m-300m)
Nepenthes campanulata is endemic to the island of Palawan, Philippines.
Nepenthes campanulata has distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from other Nepenthes species. Its urns, or pitcher-shaped traps, have a bell shape (hence the name “campanulata”), with a wide opening and a shape that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.
The urns of Nepenthes campanulata are medium to large in size, potentially reaching up to 30 centimeters in length. They are generally green in color, but may have shades of red or purple under certain growing conditions.
Nepenthes Candalaga (1800m-2100m)
Nepenthes candalaga is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Mount Candalaga, located on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. The species was formally described in 2022, after detailed botanical studies conducted at altitudes between 1800 and 2100 meters above sea level.
The specific epithet “candalaga” makes direct reference to the mountain where the species was discovered, a region known for its rich biodiversity and still little-explored mountainous forests.
Morphologically, Nepenthes candalaga is characterized by robust and cylindrical pitchers, with coloration ranging from light green to deep red, often with purplish spots distributed across the surface. The upper pitchers tend to be more slender, with a thick and slightly undulated peristome.
The species shows similarities to Nepenthes justinae and Nepenthes robcantleyi, especially in the shape of the pitchers and the general size of the plant. However, it differs in specific details in the texture and indumentum of the leaves, as well as particularities in the structure of the flowers.
Nepenthes candalaga is considered critically endangered, given its habitat restricted to a single locality and the constant pressure from human activities, such as deforestation and agricultural expansion. Its discovery reinforces the importance of conserving mountain ecosystems in Mindanao.
Nepenthes Ceciliae (1500m-1880m)
Nepenthes ceciliae is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Philippine island of Mindanao, where it grows between 1500 and 1880 meters above sea level. Its discovery was announced online in August 2011.
Nepenthes ceciliae belongs to the informal “N. alata” group, which also includes species such as N. alata, N. copelandii, N. extincta, N. graciliflora, N. hamiguitanensis, N. kitanglad, N. kurata, N. leyte, N. mindanaoensis, N. negros, N. ramos, N. saranganiensis, and N. ultra. These species share some morphological characteristics, such as winged petioles, lids with basal ridges on the lower part (often elaborated into appendages), and upper urns generally wider at the base.
Nepenthes Chang (300m-600m)
Nepenthes chang is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Banthad mountains, in central Thailand, where it grows at altitudes of 300 to 600 meters above sea level. It is believed to be most closely related to Nepenthes kampotiana.
The specific epithet “chang” refers to the Thai island of Ko Chang, where the type specimen was collected. Nepenthes chang is a climbing plant that can reach a height of approximately 5 meters.
Nepenthes Chaniana (1100m-1800m)
Nepenthes chaniana is characterized by a dense pilosity of long white hairs. The pitchers are cylindrical and predominantly white to yellow in color.
Cultivated plants of this species were long misidentified as N. pilosa. While N. pilosa is endemic to Kalimantan, N. chaniana is native to Sabah and Sarawak (Bukit Batu Lawi and other mountains). The pitchers of N. pilosa have a more rounded and wide shape compared to those of N. chaniana.
Nepenthes Cid (720m-820m)
Nepenthes cid is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Philippines. It is known only in Bukidnon province, Mindanao, where it was recorded as an epiphyte on tall trees at an altitude of 770 meters.
Nepenthes Clipeata (600m–800m)
Nepenthes clipeata is an extremely rare tropical carnivorous plant, endemic to Mount Kelam, in western Borneo (Indonesia). It occurs exclusively on steep slopes and exposed rocky areas, between 600 and 800 meters in altitude, where it grows under intense light and adverse soil conditions.
The species is easily recognizable by its almost orbicular peltate leaves, with thick and short tendril, inserted far from the leaf apex — a rare characteristic in the genus. The stem is not climbing, reaching a maximum of 2 meters in length, which suggests a compact growth habit close to the ground or against vertical surfaces.
Its pitchers are unique and impressive, up to 30 cm in height, presenting a globose base and an upper part that is infundibuliform (funnel-shaped). Lacking wings and with a strongly arched lid, the pitchers display a generally greenish coloration with darkened tones, and the entire plant is densely covered with long brown hairs, giving it a characteristic velvety texture.
The name of the species, “clipeata”, comes from the Latin clipeus (shield), an allusion to the shape of the leaves, which resemble a circular shield.
In his monograph, botanist B.H. Danser described N. clipeata as one of the “most aberrant and striking” species of the genus Nepenthes, highlighting its atypical morphology and suggesting that the specimens could grow on vertical rock walls, with the pitchers positioned behind the leaves. Although this behavior has not yet been fully documented in the field, it is possible that the species adopts specific strategies for anchoring in cliff crevices.
Its extremely limited distribution and the difficulty of accessing the habitat contribute to the scarcity of data on its ecology in the natural environment.
Nepenthes clipeata is considered critically endangered by the IUCN. It is estimated that there are only a few remaining individuals in the wild, due to habitat loss, fires, and illegal collection. It is one of the most endangered Nepenthes in the world, with most specimens now preserved only in botanical collections and germplasm banks.
Its conservation is considered a priority among researchers and tropical flora protection organizations.
Nepenthes Copelandii (1100m-2400m)
Nepenthes copelandii is native to the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Originally known from Mount Apo, near the city of Davao, and Mount Pasian, near Bislig, it was later discovered on several peaks in Mindanao. It may also be present on the neighboring island of Camiguin. The species has a wide altitudinal distribution, occurring between 1100 and 2400 meters above sea level. No natural hybrids of Nepenthes copelandii are known, and no forms or varieties have been described.
A form of Nepenthes copelandii from Mount Apo has been cultivated by Australian enthusiasts since the early 1980s, being referred to as “N. sp. Philippines No. 2”.
Nepenthes Cornuta (950m-1050m)
Nepenthes cornuta is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Philippines. It is known only in the Pantaron Range, in central Mindanao, where it grows on the ground in ultramafic soils at about 1000 meters above sea level.
This species is most closely related to N. ceciliae and N. copelandii, also found in Mindanao. The three belong to the larger “N. alata” group, which also includes N. alata, N. extincta, N. graciliflora, N. hamiguitanensis, N. kitanglad, N. kurata, N. leyte, N. mindanaoensis, N. negros, N. ramos, N. saranganiensis, and N. ultra. These species are united by various morphological characteristics, including winged petioles, lids with basal striations on the underside (often developed into appendages), and upper pitchers that are generally wider at the base.
The specific epithet “cornuta” is derived from Latin and means “with horns,” referring to the shape of the upper pitchers.
Nepenthes Dactylifera (300m–1900m)
Nepenthes dactylifera is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Borneo, previously considered a variety of Nepenthes fusca. Recent taxonomic studies have recognized it as a distinct species, differentiating it from other related species, such as Nepenthes zakriana.
This species features elongated pitchers of vibrant orange coloration with intense red spots. The stem is a bright red, giving the plant a striking appearance. The lower pitchers have a velvety texture due to a fine layer of hairs, resembling corduroy fabric. The leaves are leathery and lanceolate, adapted to its epiphytic habit.
Nepenthes dactylifera is found in the tropical forests of Borneo, at altitudes ranging from 300 to 1900 meters above sea level. It grows primarily as an epiphyte on trees in humid and shaded forests, taking advantage of the high humidity and diffuse light of the environment.
Considered an intermediate cultivation species, N. dactylifera is vigorous and adaptable. It prefers daytime temperatures between 24°C and 30°C, with nighttime drops to 15°C to 21°C. The use of well-drained substrates is recommended, such as a mixture of sphagnum moss and perlite in equal parts. Lighting should be indirect or filtered, simulating its natural habitat.
Nepenthes dactylifera belongs to the complex of species related to N. fusca, but is distinguished by specific morphological characteristics. Its taxonomic separation was based on notable differences in the pitchers and leaf structure, as well as its geographic distribution restricted to certain regions of Borneo.
Nepenthes Danseri (0m-320m)
Nepenthes Danseri is found only on the north coast of Waigeo Island; plants from Halmahera, the largest of the Maluku Islands, are now recognized as belonging to a separate species, N. halmahera.
Nepenthes danseri was formally described in 1997 by Matthew Jebb and Martin Cheek in their monograph “A skeletal revision of Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae),” published in the botanical journal Blumea. However, the name N. danseri had been in use since at least 1994.
Nepenthes danseri typically inhabits open shrublands or bare soils on ultramafic rocks. It also occurs in forests, but these do not produce pitchers, probably due to the high light requirements of this species. Nepenthes danseri has been recorded from sea level to an altitude of 320 m.
Nepenthes danseri has no known natural hybrids. No forms or varieties have been described.
Nepenthes Deaniana (1180m-1296m)
Nepenthes deaniana is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Philippines, where it grows at an altitude of 1180 to 1296 meters above sea level. This species is found only in the Thumb Peak region, a relatively small mountain composed of ultramafic rocks, located in the province of Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Nepenthes deaniana has no known natural hybrids. No forms or varieties of this species have been described.
In his Carnivorous Plant Database, taxonomist Jan Schlauer considers N. gantungensis, N. leonardoi, and N. mira as heterotypic synonyms of N. deaniana.
Adolph Daniel Edward Elmer recorded a plant from Mount Pulgar (currently known as Thumb Peak) that corresponded to the description of N. deaniana. He mentioned this discovery in the bulletin Leaflets of Philippine Botany, published on April 20, 1912, when formally describing N. graciliflora. He noted that some of the pitchers of this species were about 30 centimeters long and 15 centimeters thick!
Nepenthes Densiflora (1700m–3200m)
Nepenthes densiflora is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the montane forests of Sumatra, where it occurs at altitudes ranging from 1700 to 3200 meters above sea level, being one of the Nepenthes species that inhabits the highest elevations on the island.
Its name, derived from the Latin densiflora (dense flowers), refers to the characteristic inflorescence of the plant, composed of numerous flowers arranged compactly along the floral axis.
Morphologically, N. densiflora presents robust lower pitchers, with a globose base and coloration that varies between shades of moss green and dark red, frequently with contrasting spots. The upper pitchers tend to be more elongated and narrow, with a slightly undulated and thick peristome, frequently in contrasting tones. The leaves are leathery, narrow, and well adapted to the cool and humid climate of high altitudes.
The species does not have varieties or natural forms described to date, which suggests a morphological stability in its specific habitat. Its distribution is restricted to humid and well-shaded slopes and peaks of the mountains of Sumatra, where it grows among mosses, lichens, and shrubby vegetation.
Nepenthes densiflora is valued for its vigor, cold resistance, and elegant appearance, being frequently cultivated by enthusiasts of high-altitude carnivorous plants.
Nepenthes Diabolica (2200m-2300m)
Nepenthes diabolica is a tropical carnivorous plant known only from a single mountain in Central Sulawesi, where it occurs at altitudes of approximately 2200-2300 meters above sea level. It is characterized by an exceptionally developed peristome and by a conspicuously visible indumentum of hairs on the pitchers. Morphologically, it is closest to N. hamata, the only other Sulawesi species with an equally elaborate peristome.
The specific epithet diabolica comes from Latin and means “diabolical” or “devilish,” and refers to both the typical red coloration of the lower pitchers and the greatly enlarged peristome teeth.
Nepenthes Diatas (2400m-2900m)
Nepenthes diatas is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Sumatra, where it grows at an altitude of 2,000 to 2,900 meters above sea level.
Nepenthes diatas was formally described in 1997 by Matthew Jebb and Martin Cheek in their monograph “A skeletal revision of Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae),” published in the botanical journal Blumea. However, the name N. diatas had been in use since at least 1994.
Nepenthes Distillatoria (0m-700m)
Nepenthes distillatoria is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Sri Lanka. It was the second Nepenthes species to be described in print and the first to be formally named under the Linnaean system of taxonomy. Therefore, it is the type species of the genus.
Nepenthes distillatoria was the second Nepenthes species to be described in print, after N. madagascariensis. In 1677, the Danish physician Thomas Bartholin made a brief mention of it under the name Miranda herba, in Latin, meaning “wonderful herb.” Three years later, the Dutch merchant Jacob Breyne referred to it as Bandura zingalensium, in allusion to a local name for the plant. Bandura became the most commonly used name for tropical carnivorous plants, until Linnaeus coined Nepenthes in 1737.
Nepenthes distillatoria was described again in 1683, this time by the Swedish physician and naturalist Herman Niklas Grim. Grim called it Planta mirabilis destillatoria, or the “wonderful distilling plant,” and was the first to clearly illustrate a tropical carnivorous plant. Three years later, in 1686, the English naturalist John Ray quoted Grim saying:
“The root absorbs the moisture from the soil, which, with the help of the sun’s rays, rises into the plant itself and then flows through the stems and veins of the leaves to the natural utensil, where it is stored until used for human needs” (translated from Latin in Pitcher-Plants of Borneo).
Linnaeus used Grim’s original specific epithet when naming N. distillatoria in 1753.
Nepenthes distillatoria was illustrated again in Johannes Burmann’s 1737 work Thesaurus Zeylanicus. The drawing depicts the end of a flowering stem with pitchers. Burmann refers to the plant as Bandura zeylanica.
In the late 19th century gardening trade, N. distillatoria was often confused with N. khasiana from India.
Ecology: Nepenthes distillatoria is endemic to Sri Lanka and is the only Nepenthes species recorded on the island. It grows in open waterlogged areas, along road embankments and other cleared areas, and in forests. N. distillatoria occurs from sea level to 700 meters in altitude.
Due to its isolation, N. distillatoria has no known natural hybrids.
Nepenthes Domei (850m-1000m)
Nepenthes domei is a species of tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Peninsular Malaysia, growing at an altitude of 800-1000 meters above sea level. The species description was published in the journal Webbia along with N. latiffiana, and is one of three new Malaysian species described in the same year (the third species is N. malayensis). These discoveries have made Peninsular Malaysia now home to 15 Nepenthes species.
Nepenthes domei is listed in the International Plant Names Index (IPNI) and was named in honor of the first person to discover the population, Mr. Dome Nikong.
Nepenthes Dubia (1600m-2700m)
Nepenthes dubia is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Indonesian island of Sumatra, where it grows at an altitude of 1600 to 2700 meters above sea level. The specific epithet “dubia” is the Latin word for “doubtful.”
The botanical history of Nepenthes dubia began with its collection on May 29, 1917, by H. A. B. Bünnemeijer on Mount Talakmau, at an altitude of about 1900 meters above sea level. Eleven years later, B. H. Danser formally described N. dubia in his seminal monograph “The Nepenthaceae of the Netherlands Indies.” Danser noted similarities between N. dubia and the closely related species N. inermis and suggested that it might represent a natural hybrid involving that species. He wrote that the differences were too great to unite the two species, but that N. dubia had a broad and flat peristome, while N. inermis had only a rudiment of a peristome. Danser speculated that N. dubia might be a hybrid of N. inermis and another species with a normal peristome, possibly N. bongso. Danser’s description was based on a specimen collected in 1917 and deposited at the Bogor Botanical Gardens in Java and the Herbarium Lugduno-Batavum in Leiden, Netherlands. This specimen was later designated as the lectotype of N. dubia.
In the late 20th century, there was renewed interest in Nepenthes, and N. dubia became the subject of confusion and taxonomic revision. In 1973, botanist Shigeo Kurata incorrectly identified specimens of a natural cross between N. inermis and N. talangensis as belonging to N. dubia. Kurata later described this hybrid as a new species, N. pyriformis. In 1986, Mitsuru Hotta and Rusjdi Tamin included plant material belonging to N. dubia and N. inermis in their description of N. bongso, but N. bongso differs considerably in trap morphology from these species. In 1997, Matthew Jebb and Martin Cheek published their monograph “A skeletal revision of Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae),” in which they referred to specimens of N. dubia from Mount Talang and the mountains of the Tjampo region near Payakumbuh. Jebb and Cheek treated N. tenuis, which was collected in this region, as a synonym of N. dubia, but subsequent authors rejected this interpretation and elevated N. tenuis to species level again based on differences in trap morphology.
Nepenthes dubia is a climbing plant that can reach 3 meters
Nepenthes Edwardsiana (1600m-2700m)
Nepenthes edwardsiana, also known as the splendid pitcher plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Mount Kinabalu and neighboring Mount Tambuyukon in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. It is considered one of the most spectacular Nepenthes, producing some of the largest pitchers and most developed peristomial ribs of all species in the genus.
The type specimen of N. edwardsiana was collected on Mount Kinabalu in 1858 by Hugh Low and Spenser St. John. Designated as Low s.n., the specimen is deposited at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Nepenthes edwardsiana was formally described in 1859 by Joseph Dalton Hooker. Hooker named the species in honor of George Edwardes, governor of the Crown Colony of Labuan, at the request of his friend Hugh Low. Hooker’s original description and illustration were reproduced in Spenser St. John’s work “Life in the Forests of the Far East,” published in 1862.
Alfred Russel Wallace made a brief mention of N. edwardsiana in his famous work “The Malay Archipelago,” first published in 1869. In subsequent years, N. edwardsiana was featured in various publications by renowned botanists.
Nepenthes edwardsiana is a climbing plant. The stem can reach a length of 15 m.
The leaves are leathery and petiolate. The blade is truly lanceolate in shape and can be up to 30 cm long by 7 cm wide.
The base of the pitcher is bulbous to ovate, with the pitcher cup becoming cylindrical in the upper two-thirds to three-quarters. The pitchers are among the largest in the genus, sometimes exceeding 50 cm in height and 15 cm in width, although they are usually about 30 cm in height. Wings on the front of the pitcher cup are reduced or absent. On the inner surface of the pitcher, the glandular region is present in the bulbous portion.
The mouth is elongated into a narrow neck and terminates in a highly developed peristome. The peristome is lined with numerous teeth and ribs that provide a slippery surface to prevent prey from escaping. The peristome is generally yellow to red in color, but may vary in different populations. The upper part of the pitcher neck may have color patterns, such as red spots or stripes. The lid, known as the operculum, is generally ovate in shape and can be up to 8 cm long. The coloration of the operculum varies from green to red.
Nepenthes Ephippiata (1300m-2000m)
Nepenthes ephippiata, also known as the saddle pitcher plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Borneo. It occurs in the Hose Mountains in central Sarawak, and also on Mount Raya and Bukit Lesung in Kalimantan. It grows in montane forests, at an elevation of 1,000 to 1,900 meters.
The non-climbing plants from the Hose Mountains appear to have a less pronounced leaf attachment than specimens from Central Kalimantan, however, the characteristic “saddle” after which the species is named is fully developed in climbing plants. Nepenthes ephippiata is closely related to N. lowii.
B. H. Danser described the species in his 1928 monograph, “The Nepenthaceae of the Netherlands Indies,” based only on part of a stem and an inflorescence.
Nepenthes ephippiata has no known natural hybrids.
Nepenthes Epiphytica (950m-1050m)
Nepenthes epiphytica is a tropical carnivorous plant known only from the Berau and East Kutai regions of East Kalimantan, Borneo, where it grows at an elevation of about 1000 meters above sea level. Before being formally described as a species, N. epiphytica was considered a variant of the closely related species N. fusca. Nepenthes epiphytica belongs to the “N. maxima complex,” which also includes, among other species, N. boschiana, N. chaniana, N. eymae, N. faizaliana, N. fusca, N. klossii, N. maxima, N. platychila, N. stenophylla, and N. vogelii.
The specific epithet “epiphytica” refers to the epiphytic habit of this species.
Nepenthes Erucoides (800m–929m)
Nepenthes erucoides is a tropical ultramafic carnivorous plant, endemic to Mount Redondo, the highest point on the island of Dinagat, Philippines. Its habitat is restricted to a narrow altitudinal range between 800 and 929 meters above sea level, where it occupies exposed areas with soils derived from rocks rich in heavy metals.
The plant grows in lateritic substrate rich in nickel and chromite debris, considered the most extreme ultramafic environment ever documented for a Nepenthes species. This severely malnourished soil imposes evolutionary pressures that have resulted in unique morphological adaptations.
The name of the species, “erucoides”, derives from the Latin eruca (caterpillar) and the Greek -oides (similar to), and makes direct reference to the emerging shoots densely covered with hairs, which resemble the hairy caterpillars of moths of the genus Arctia. This unusual morphology gives the plant one of the densest indumenta ever recorded in Nepenthes, although the hairs are temporary and disappear as the leaves mature.
The plant has a reduced size, sclerophyllous leaves, and compact structure, characteristics associated with its specialized ecology. The pitchers are small, densely hairy in the young stage, and their shape superficially resembles that of other species adapted to similar environments, such as N. argentii (Mount Guiting-Guiting) and N. mantalingajanensis (Palawan). However, phylogenetic analyses indicate that these similarities are cases of morphological convergence, not reflecting direct kinship.
N. erucoides occurs in syntopy with Nepenthes mindanaoensis, with which it naturally hybridizes, and also with N. bellii, in areas of dense and protected vegetation. At lower altitudes in the region occur N. truncata and N. merrilliana, forming a complex Nepenthes ecosystem on the island of Dinagat.
The species has been informally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR), according to the IUCN Red List criteria, due to its extremely limited area of occurrence and the increasing degradation of the natural habitat. The pressures on the ultramafic ecosystems of Dinagat place N. erucoides among the most vulnerable Nepenthes known today.
Nepenthes Eustachya (0m–1600m)
Nepenthes eustachya is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Sumatra, with a wide altitudinal range — it occurs from sea level to about 1600 meters in altitude. It is frequently found on exposed slopes, forest clearings, and margins of secondary vegetation, usually in well-drained, acidic, and sandy soils.
The specific name, “eustachya”, derives from the Greek words eu (true) and stachys (spike), in direct reference to its racemose type inflorescence, considered well-developed and typical for the genus.
The species has an erect to scandent habit, with lanceolate green leaves and pitchers of variable coloration, ranging from light green to intense red, frequently with dark macules. The lower pitchers are ovoid to cylindrical, while the upper ones are narrower and more elongated, with a slightly undulated peristome and relatively small lid.
Nepenthes eustachya is known for its morphological plasticity in response to the environment — in more shaded locations, it tends to produce more elongated pitchers; in areas exposed to the sun, the pitchers are usually smaller and more pigmented.
Despite its wide distribution in Sumatra and relative tolerance to different ecological conditions, the species does not have formally described forms or subspecies, being considered taxonomically stable.
Nepenthes Extincta (350m-450m)
Nepenthes extincta is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Philippines. It is known only in Surigao del Sur, Mindanao, where it was recorded at an altitude of about 400 meters.
This species belongs to the informal “N. alata” group, which also includes N. alata, N. ceciliae, N. copelandii, N. graciliflora, N. hamiguitanensis, N. kitanglad, N. kurata, N. leyte, N. mindanaoensis, N. negros, N. ramos, N. saranganiensis, and N. ultra. These species are characterized by various morphological features, including winged petioles, lid with basal ridges on the lower surface (often elaborated into appendages), and upper ascidia that are usually wider near the base.
The specific epithet extincta was chosen to indicate that this species may already be extinct in the wild. Nepenthes extincta is known from a single herbarium specimen collected in 1978.
It has been suggested that the only known specimen of N. extincta may represent a natural hybrid between N. merrilliana and N. mindanaoensis, as both species grow near the type locality of N. extincta and share many morphological characteristics with it.
Nepenthes Eymae (1000m-2000m)
Nepenthes eymae is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia, where it grows at an altitude of 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level. It is very close to N. maxima, from which it differs by its wine glass-shaped upper ascidia.
The specific epithet eymae pays tribute to Pierre Joseph Eyma, a Dutch botanist who worked extensively in the Dutch East Indies and who originally discovered the species.
Nepenthes eymae is endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. It has been recorded in the provinces of Central Sulawesi (including the Eastern Peninsula) and Western Sulawesi. Many of the peaks in these regions are poorly known and may harbor undiscovered populations of N. eymae. The species has a wide altitudinal distribution, from 1000 to at least 2000 meters above sea level, being found mainly above 1400 meters.
The species generally grows on the ground, but can also be epiphytic at higher altitudes. It has been recorded in a variety of habitats, including heather forests, river margins, and other environments.
Nepenthes Flava (1800m-2200m)
Nepenthes flava is known only from a single mountain in the Barisan mountains, North Sumatra, Indonesia. For conservation reasons, the exact location has not been disclosed. The species has an altitudinal distribution of 1800 to 2200 meters above sea level.
The typical habitat of N. flava is upper montane rainforest dominated by plants of the genus Rhododendron and Leptospermum. It generally grows on the ground in more open areas of the forest, where vegetation rarely exceeds 4-5 meters in height. The species naturally occurs in sympatry with N. mikei, N. ovata, N. rhombicaulis, and N. spectabilis. Natural hybrids with N. ovata and N. rhombicaulis have also been recorded.
The only known locality of N. flava is not within the boundaries of a national park. Although it appears to be locally abundant, Stewart McPherson considers the species “at significant risk of being targeted for hunting and excessive collection” and cites the “rapid decline” of N. aristolochioides, another highly sought-after Sumatran plant, as an example of the possible fate of this species.
The specific epithet flava is derived from the Latin word for “yellow” and refers to the typical coloration of the upper traps and other vegetative parts of the plant.
Nepenthes Fractiflexa (1400m-2150m)
Nepenthes fractiflexa is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Borneo, where it has been recorded in a limited number of localities in Sarawak and Kalimantan. It grows both on the ground and as an epiphyte in montane forests at altitudes of 1400 to 2150 meters above sea level. Nepenthes fractiflexa is considerably smaller than its close relative, N. mollis. Additionally, it differs in its unusual growth habit and plant architecture, producing secondary stems with a frequency rarely seen in the genus and having activated axillary buds that commonly develop into bract-like prophylls, up to 5 cm long. Furthermore, the inflorescence appears to emerge from the middle of the internode, instead of arising from the leaf axil, as is common in the genus; it is the first Nepenthes species for which concaulescence (a form of metatopy) has been proposed.
The specific epithet fractiflexa, formed from the Latin words fractus (broken) and flexus (curve), refers to the “characteristic distical vinelike stems of this species, which curve alternately at the nodes in a zigzag pattern.”
Nepenthes fractiflexa has been informally assessed as Near Threatened according to IUCN Red List criteria.
Nepenthes Fusca (1400m-1600m)
Nepenthes fusca, also known as the dark pitcher plant, is endemic to Borneo, where its distribution extends from Central Kalimantan to northwestern Sabah. The species is confined to northwestern Borneo. It has a wide altitudinal distribution and is generally found at altitudes of 1200 to 2500 meters above sea level. However, occasionally, N. fusca has also been reported on low-altitude hills, down to 600 meters, and in Sarawak, it has been found at just 300 meters in hill forests.
Nepenthes fusca is most commonly found as an epiphyte in dark, humid forests, on ridge tops, where it can grow 10 to 15 meters above the ground. This makes its location particularly difficult, and often the only evidence of its presence is the dead pitchers that fall to the forest floor. In this respect, it can be considered the “ecological equivalent” of N. bongso from Sumatra. More rarely, N. fusca grows in exposed locations near montane forests or along logging roads. It frequently occurs in sympatry with species such as N. reinwardtiana, N. stenophylla, and N. tentaculata, and natural hybrids with all these species have been recorded.
The specific epithet fusca is derived from the Latin word fuscus, meaning “dark brown” or “smoky,” and refers to the color of the pitchers.
Nepenthes Gantungensis (1600m-1784m)
Nepenthes gantungensis is a plant endemic to the Philippine island of Palawan, where it grows on a single mountain. Its altitudinal distribution covers elevations of 1600 to 1784 meters above sea level.
Nepenthes Glabrata (1600m-2100m)
Nepenthes glabrata is a species of tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Borneo. It is found primarily in the state of Sabah, Malaysia, specifically in the areas of Kinabalu Park and the Crocker Range. The species is known for its distinctly smooth or glabrous traps, which lack the hairy or glandular surfaces typical of other Nepenthes species.
The stem of Nepenthes glabrata is typically climbing or creeping, reaching lengths of up to 3 meters.
Nepenthes glabrata is typically found in montane forests at altitudes of 1,300 to 2,500 meters above sea level. It generally grows as an epiphyte on trees or shrubs, attaching itself to branches or trunks. The species is known to occur in mossy or ultramafic forests, where conditions are cooler and more humid. It is often found growing alongside other Nepenthes species, such as Nepenthes lowii, Nepenthes tentaculata, and Nepenthes stenophylla.
Nepenthes Glandulifera (1100m-1700m)
Nepenthes glandulifera is a species of carnivorous plant endemic to the Hose Mountains in central Sarawak. This plant is named for the black spots around the petioles. The discoverer of the species, Ch’ien Lee, initially thought they were a sign of disease. After further investigation, it was realized that the black spots were, in fact, nectar glands. The species is also known for having a prominent indumentum. It appears to be closely related to Nepenthes pilosa. Nepenthes glandulifera is not known to form natural hybrids with other species.
Nepenthes Graciliflora (0m-1280m)
Nepenthes graciliflora is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Philippines. Long considered a synonym of N. alata, it was recognized as a separate species in 2013 by Martin Cheek and Matthew Jebb. It has been recorded on the islands of Bohol, Leyte, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Panay, Samar, and Sibuyan, and, after the redefinition of N. alata, is the most widely distributed Nepenthes species in the Philippines. It is found in submontane moss forests, usually between 800 and 1,280 meters in altitude, although the type specimen from Sibuyan was collected at just 300 meters.
Nepenthes graciliflora belongs to the informal “N. alata” group, which also includes N. alata, N. ceciliae, N. copelandii, N. extincta, N. hamiguitanensis, N. kitanglad, N. kurata, N. leyte, N. mindanaoensis, N. negros, N. ramos, N. saranganiensis, and N. ultra. These species are united by a series of morphological characteristics, including winged petioles, lids with basal ridges on the underside (often elaborated into appendages), and upper ascidia that are generally wider at the base.
Nepenthes Gracilis (0m-1100m)
Nepenthes gracilis, or the slender pitcher plant, is a common low-altitude carnivorous plant that is widely distributed in the Sunda region. It has been recorded in Borneo, Cambodia, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sulawesi, Sumatra, and Thailand. The species has a wide altitudinal distribution, from 0 to 1100 meters above sea level, although most populations are found below 100 meters and plants are rare above 1000 meters. Despite being a widely distributed plant, natural hybrids between N. gracilis and other species are quite rare.
Nepenthes gracilis was formally described by Pieter Willem Korthals in his 1839 monograph “Over het geslacht Nepenthes.”
The small elongated ascidia of N. gracilis appear relatively common and have a very thin peristome. However, the species is unusual (and possibly unique) in that the underside of the ascidium lid has an uneven layer of wax crystals. This layer is not as thick and structurally distinct as that found in the waxy zone of the ascidium interior, and insects can easily adhere to it in dry conditions. During rainfall, however, it functions as part of a capture mechanism, where the impact of raindrops on the lid causes insects to lose their balance and fall into the lower part of the ascidium.
Nepenthes Gracillima (1400m-2000m)
Nepenthes gracillima, or the most graceful pitcher plant, is a high-altitude Nepenthes plant species native to Peninsular Malaysia.
Nepenthes Gymnamphora (600m-2800m)
Nepenthes gymnamphora, or the gymnamphora pitcher plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra. It has a wide altitudinal range, varying from 600 to 2,800 meters above sea level. There is considerable debate regarding the taxonomic status of this species and the taxa N. pectinata and N. xiphioides. The specific epithet gymnamphora derives from the Greek words gymnos (naked) and amphoreus (jar).
Nepenthes Halmahera (0m-1200m)
Nepenthes halmahera is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the island of Halmahera, in North Maluku, Indonesia. In 2015, it was believed to be confined to the concession area of the Weda Bay Nickel Project, growing in open areas on ultramafic substrates at altitudes of 10 to 760 meters. However, the 2018 IUCN assessment found that the species is common in the Weda Bay region. The type specimen used to be considered an aberrant representation of N. danseri.
Nepenthes Hamata (1400m-2500m)
Nepenthes hamata is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Sulawesi, where it grows at altitudes of 1400 to 2500 meters above sea level. The specific epithet “hamata” derives from the Latin word “hamatus,” meaning “with a hook.” This describes the appearance of the highly developed peristome teeth of this species.
Nepenthes Hamiguitanensis (1200m-1600m)
Nepenthes hamiguitanensis is a carnivorous plant endemic to a single peak on the Philippine island of Mindanao, where it grows at altitudes of 1200 to 1600 meters above sea level. Previously considered a natural hybrid between N. micramphora and N. peltata, this plant is now considered a species of possible hybrid origin. It produces short upper urns that vary widely in pigmentation, from red spots to completely yellow. The specific epithet hamiguitanensis is derived from the name of Mount Hamiguitan, where it is endemic, and the Latin suffix -ensis, meaning “from.”
Nepenthes Harauensis (700m-1300m)
Nepenthes harauensis is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Harau region in West Sumatra. Nepenthes harauensis is quite similar in its morphology to the species N. bongso and N. singalana, but differs in its leaf characteristics, which are thick and leathery, with petioles, elliptic-oblong shape, and with distinctive peltate tendril insertions.
Nepenthes Hemsleyana (0m-200m)
Nepenthes hemsleyana is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Borneo, where it grows in peat swamp forests and heath forests below 200 meters above sea level. The specific epithet “hemsleyana” is a tribute to the English botanist William Botting Hemsley, who described the species N. macfarlanei and N. smilesii.
A lower pitcher of a Brunei plant Nepenthes hemsleyana is very similar to the typical form of N. rafflesiana, but is elongated in all aspects. The upper leaves of N. hemsleyana have proportionally longer blades and proportionally shorter petioles than those of N. rafflesiana, but these differences are not as pronounced in the lower leaves. In N. hemsleyana, the tendrils are always round in cross-section, while in N. rafflesiana they can be flattened or even winged. Nepenthes hemsleyana also differs from that species in maintaining a well-developed waxy zone in its upper pitchers. It often has multicellular filiform appendages on the upper surface of the lid, similar to those of the N. tentaculata species group; these have never been documented in N. rafflesiana. The coloration of the leaves also distinguishes the two species; in closed forests, the leaves of N. hemsleyana are dark green or reddish, compared to the bright green of N. rafflesiana.
Nepenthes hemsleyana appears to rely on different prey capture strategies compared to N. rafflesiana. Unlike the latter, the upper pitchers of N. hemsleyana have an expanded waxy zone and aqueous, less viscoelastic pitcher fluid. They also appear to lack UV patterns and produce less nectar and odor attractants. Hardwicke’s woolly bats (Kerivoula hardwickii) roost in the upper pitchers of N. hemsleyana, and the plant benefits from the nitrogen in the bats’ feces.
Nepenthes Hirtella
Nepenthes hirtella is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Krabi province, Thailand.
Nepenthes Hispida (100m-800m)
Nepenthes hispida, also known as the bristly pitcher plant, is a species of tropical carnivorous plant native to Borneo. It grows at altitudes of 100 to 800 meters in kerangas forests. Its occurrence is known with certainty only in Lambir Hills National Park and the surrounding areas.
Nepenthes hispida is classified as “conservation dependent” in the 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
In the wild, N. hispida is known to hybridize only with N. reinwardtiana.
Nepenthes Holdenii (600m-800m)
Nepenthes holdenii is a tropical carnivorous plant native to western Cambodia, where it grows at altitudes of 600 to 800 meters above sea level. Initially, the species was known only on two peaks of the Cardamom Mountains, but the discovery of a new population was reported in October 2011. Seeds were collected in 2014 and the species was successfully introduced into cultivation.
Nepenthes Inermis (1500m-2600m)
Nepenthes inermis is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The specific epithet “inermis” is Latin and means “unarmed,” referring to the upper pitchers of this species, which are unique in lacking a peristome, the toothed structure characteristic of the pitchers of many other Nepenthes species.
Nepenthes inermis produces an extremely thick and mucilaginous pitcher liquid. It is so viscous that, if a pitcher is held upside down, the liquid will drip forming a continuous flow several meters long. This fluid coats all internal surfaces of the pitchers in a thin layer. The pitchers of N. inermis function not only as pitfall traps but also as adhesive traps, with the sticky inner walls capturing flying insects above the surface of the liquid. The fluid also acts as a lubricant, allowing prey to slide easily to the bottom of the pitcher.
The upper pitchers of N. inermis are frequently turned over during heavy rainfall. The rainwater that accumulates in them is lost, but the extremely viscous fluid, together with the pressed side walls, ensures that the contents are retained. No longer retaining rainwater, the pitchers quickly return to the vertical position. A similar capture method may be used by related species, such as N. dubia, which also produce a very viscous pitcher fluid.
The pitchers of Nepenthes inermis primarily capture flying insects, especially those from the two suborders of flies: Nematocera and Brachycera. However, they typically do not contain invertebrates in the lower part of the pitcher.
It is suggested that the glands on the lid secrete compounds that intoxicate visiting insects, causing them to lose their balance and fall into the pitcher.
Nepenthes Insignis (0m-850m)
Nepenthes insignis is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to New Guinea and neighboring islands. The specific epithet “insignis” is Latin and means “distinct” or “remarkable.”
It has an altitudinal distribution of 0 to 850 meters above sea level. In the southern part of the Flat Lakes region of New Guinea, it was recorded at elevations between 115 and 800 meters. A smaller form of this species is also found near sea level on the island of Biak.
Nepenthes insignis occurs in dense forests and on hillsides. The plants generally grow epiphytically in thick layers of moss, especially on trees that project over rivers. At higher altitudes, the species has also been recorded on sediment bars along rivers. The relative humidity is always high in these habitats; the seeds of a plant growing near a small waterfall were found germinating while still in their capsules.
In its natural habitat, N. insignis occurs sympatrically with N. ampullaria, N. maxima (above 400 meters in altitude), N. mirabilis, and plants provisionally identified as N. papuana, which grow at 575 meters in altitude. A natural hybrid with N. mirabilis has also been recorded.
The prey of N. insignis appears to consist almost exclusively of large winged cockroaches. It is suggested that these nocturnal insects are attracted by the odor produced by the plant.
Nepenthes insignis was used in a study on the carnivory of Nepenthes
Nepenthes Izumiae (1700m-1900m)
Nepenthes izumiae is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Sumatra, where it grows in montane forests at an altitude of 1700 to 1900 meters above sea level. It appears to be most closely related to the species N. lingulata and N. singalana.
The specific epithet “izumiae” is a tribute to Izumi Davis, wife of Troy Davis, one of the authors who described the species.
The lower pitchers generally have a very dark pigmentation, being purplish-black throughout. However, the indumentum covering the traps may give them an orange or brownish sheen. The peristome is generally purple, black, or dark brown, but may have lighter-colored teeth, ranging from green to yellow and white. The inner surface of the pitcher may be light yellow, white, or light purple and often has purple spots.
Nepenthes Jacquelineae (1700m-2200m)
Nepenthes jacquelineae is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Due to its unique pitcher morphology, it is considered one of the most spectacular Nepenthes species native to the island.
Like most Nepenthes species, N. jacquelineae is primarily insectivorous, although it occasionally captures other types of invertebrates. The pitcher fluid of N. jacquelineae is extremely viscous and coats the pitcher walls. It is suggested that the pitchers of this species function not only as pitfall traps but also as adhesive traps, with the sticky inner walls capturing flying insects above the surface of the fluid. Indeed, this capture method is employed by the closely related species N. inermis, which also produces a highly viscous pitcher fluid.
The aerial pitchers of N. jacquelineae are often filled with rainwater, which, together with the pitcher fluid, occupies about two-thirds to three-quarters of the volume of the traps. On the other hand, the much wider lids of the lower pitchers prevent rainwater from entering the pitchers and diluting the fluid. Most of the plant’s prey dies by drowning in this fluid.
The peristome, the part of the pitcher that surrounds the opening, is usually darker than the pitcher cup, and it is speculated that the pitchers of N. jacquelineae may function as light traps. The contrast between the dark peristome and the lighter-colored opening may attract flying insects. The pitchers of N. jacquelineae frequently capture large flying insects, such as blattid cockroaches, bees, and moths. The wide peristome may function as a kind of landing platform for these prey.
The unusually large glands on the underside of the lid produce copious amounts of nectar and likely attract insects to a precarious position over the pitcher opening.
The lower pitchers of this species are often immersed in thick Sphagnum moss, allowing them to capture small terrestrial animals, such as snails.
Nepenthes Jamban (1800m-2100m)
Nepenthes jamban is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to northern Sumatra. The specific epithet “jamban” is the Indonesian word for “toilet” and refers to the shape of the pitchers.
The botanical history of Nepenthes jamban began with its discovery during a series of expeditions to Sumatra between 2004 and 2005. The species was first collected on April 22, 2005, south of Padang Sidempuan, in the Indonesian province of North Sumatra.
The upper pitchers of N. jamban have been observed capturing many large prey, such as wasps and crickets, and relatively few small animals. The traps of this species also sustain large populations of invertebrates inside the pitchers, especially mosquito larvae.
Nepenthes jamban produces a thick and mucilaginous pitcher liquid, similar to that found in related species, such as N. inermis.
Nepenthes Junghuhnii (1170m–1270m)
Nepenthes junghuhnii is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the montane forests of Sumatra, recorded at altitudes between 1170 and 1270 meters above sea level. Its habitat corresponds to transition areas between dense tropical forest and slope vegetation, in regions with high humidity and filtered light.
The species is considered rare and poorly documented, with few records of natural populations and limited presence in cultivation. Its exact morphology still lacks detailed description in modern botanical literature, although it is considered close to other Sumatran species with ovoid pitchers and scandent habit.
The epithet “junghuhnii” honors the naturalist and explorer Friedrich Franz Wilhelm Junghuhn, recognized for his contribution to the botany of the Indonesian archipelago in the 19th century, including the collection of various species in Sumatra and Java.
To date, no forms or subspecies have been described, nor is there conclusive information on possible natural hybridizations. Its ecology, exact distribution, and conservation status remain open, awaiting more in-depth studies.
Nepenthes junghuhnii represents a little-known piece in the mosaic of Nepenthes diversity on the island of Sumatra, and is considered of high interest for future taxonomy and conservation research.
Nepenthes Justinae (1000m-1620m)
Nepenthes justinae is a tropical carnivorous plant known only from Mount Hamiguitan on the Philippine island of Mindanao, where it grows at altitudes of 1000 to 1620 meters above sea level.
The specific epithet justinae honors Justina Yu, mayor of San Isidro, Davao Oriental, Mindanao, whose efforts helped make the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.
Nepenthes Kampotiana (0m–600m)
Nepenthes kampotiana is a tropical carnivorous plant with continental distribution in Southeast Asia, occurring in southern Cambodia, eastern Thailand, and on the southern coast of Vietnam, at altitudes ranging from sea level to about 600 meters. It grows mainly in open areas, margins of secondary forests, sandy clearings, and rocky outcrops, where humidity is high and sunlight is abundant.
The specific epithet, “kampotiana”, refers to the city of Kampot, in Cambodia, near the locality where the first specimens of the species were collected in the 20th century.
It is a plant of compact to moderate size, with lanceolate green leaves and thin, ovoid to cylindrical pitchers, usually in shades of light green to olive, with a discreetly striated peristome. The upper pitchers tend to be narrower, and the lids are relatively small and rounded.
From a taxonomic point of view, Nepenthes kampotiana is closely related to Nepenthes chang, and is even considered by some authors to be part of the same morphological complex. The name Nepenthes geoffrayi is now treated as a heterotypic synonym of N. kampotiana, consolidating the species as a valid identity with slight geographical variations throughout its distribution.
Although not considered threatened on a large scale, its presence is associated with specific habitats that are subject to degradation by agriculture and urban expansion. It is valued in cultivation for its hardiness and discreet elegance.
Nepenthes Kerrii (400m-500m)
Nepenthes kerrii is a tropical carnivorous plant native to Tarutao Marine National Park in southern Thailand, where it grows at altitudes of 400 to 500 meters above sea level. The 2018 IUCN assessment also considers the taxon found on Langkawi Island, Malaysia (south of Tarutao), as being of the same species. However, there appears to be an attempt to recognize the Langkawi plants as a new species. This species is considered most closely related to N. kongkandana.
The specific epithet kerrii refers to the Irish physician Arthur Francis George Kerr, who made the first known herbarium collection of this species.
Nepenthes Khasiana (500m-1500m)
Nepenthes khasiana is an endangered tropical carnivorous plant of the genus Nepenthes. It is the only Nepenthes species native to India. It is believed to attract prey through blue fluorescence.
The species has a very localized distribution and is rare in the wild. However, with advances in agricultural technology and tissue culture, it is now being cultivated on the campus of Nagaland University in Nagaland. These carnivorous plants endemic to Meghalaya can be widely seen as decorative plants outside many homes in Nagaland.
Isolated populations are known in the Jarain area, in the Jaintia Hills, in the Baghmara area, in the Garo Hills, adjacent to the Khasi Hills region, in Meghalaya, in the Upper Kharthong area, in the Dima Hasao district, Assam, and in some parts of Nagaland.
However, N. khasiana exhibits considerable genetic diversity. The Khasi people call the plant tiew-rakot, which means “demonic-flower” or “devouring-plant.” The Jaintias call it kset phare, which is roughly translated as “fly net with lid.” The Garos call it memang-koksi, which literally means “devil’s basket,” and the Biate tribe of Assam calls it Jug-Par, which means “pitcher-flower” or Loisul Kola, which literally means “pitcher-plant.”
Nepenthes khasiana is a protected species, classified as endangered, and is listed in Appendix I of CITES, which means that international trade is prohibited. Threats to wild populations include habitat destruction, acid drainage associated with coal mining, and collection for medicinal and ornamental use. In 2010, the Rare Nepenthes Collection was established with the aim of conserving the 4 most endangered Nepenthes species: N. aristolochioides, N. clipeata, N. khasiana, and N. rigidifolia.
The specific epithet khasiana is sometimes written as khasyana in some older texts. This spelling actually predates the formalization of the species in Joseph Dalton Hooker’s 1873 monograph, “Nepenthaceae,” as it appeared in an article by Maxwell T. Masters in the April 20, 1872 edition of The Gardeners’ Chronicle and Agricultural Gazette (this article was based on the manuscript of Hooker’s monograph). In the late 19th century horticultural trade, N. khasiana was often confused with N. distillatoria from Sri Lanka.
Nepenthes Kitanglad (1800m-2100m)
Nepenthes kitanglad is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Philippines. It is known only from Mount Kitanglad, in Bukidnon province, Mindanao, where it was recorded as an epiphyte in mossy forest at an altitude of 1800 to 2100 meters.
Nepenthes Klossii (930m-2000m)
Nepenthes klossii is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to New Guinea.
Nepenthes klossii is one of two species in the genus that have dome-shaped pitchers with white spots that allow sunlight to pass through to illuminate the interior. The only other species with similar pitcher morphology is Nepenthes aristolochioides from Sumatra. When viewed from the front, the peristome and lid of these species appear dark, in contrast to the inner surface of the pitcher, which is illuminated by light passing through the top of the pitcher dome.
Although there has not been a comprehensive study of the capture mechanism of Nepenthes klossii, it has been suggested that, in the upper pitchers of Nepenthes aristolochioides, this adaptation serves to attract flying insects in a manner similar to the North American carnivorous plants Darlingtonia californica, Sarracenia minor, and Sarracenia psittacina. Unable to find the exit, prey often become disoriented inside the pitchers of N. aristolochioides, eventually falling into the pitcher liquid and drowning. Most prey captured by N. aristolochioides and N. klossii consists of small flying insects, which are attracted to bright light sources.
Nepenthes Kongkandana (0m-50m)
Nepenthes kongkandana is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Songkhla province in southern Thailand. It is closely related to Nepenthes kerrii.
Nepenthes Krabiensis (600m-700m)
Nepenthes krabiensis is a tropical carnivorous plant native to southern Thailand, where it grows at an altitude of 600-700 meters above sea level. It is closely related to Nepenthes rosea.
The specific epithet krabiensis is derived from the name of Krabi province, where it is apparently endemic, and the Latin suffix -ensis, meaning “from.”
Nepenthes Lamii (2700m-3520m)
Nepenthes lamii is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to New Guinea, where it grows at an altitude of up to 3520 meters above sea level, higher than any other Nepenthes species. Although previously confused with Nepenthes vieillardii and previously considered conspecific with the closely related Nepenthes monticola, it is now recognized as a distinct species.
The specific epithet lamii honors the Dutch botanist Herman Johannes Lam, who made one of the first known collections of this species.
Nepenthes Latiffiana (1000m-1100m)
Nepenthes latiffiana is a species of carnivorous plant from Peninsular Malaysia.
Nepenthes Lavicola (2000m-2600m)
Nepenthes lavicola is a species of carnivorous plant endemic to the Geureudong massif in Aceh, northern Sumatra. It grows at altitudes of 2000 to 2600 meters above sea level. It is believed to be most closely related to Nepenthes singalana and Nepenthes spectabilis.
“Lavicola” is a Latin term meaning “growing on lava.” It is used to describe the characteristic location of Nepenthes lavicola, which is found growing in lava areas in the Geureudong massif in Aceh, Sumatra.
Nepenthes Leonardoi (1300m-1490m)
Nepenthes leonardoi is a tropical carnivorous plant found in a single locality in Central Palawan, Philippines. It is closely related to several other species endemic to Palawan, including N. deaniana, N. gantungensis, and N. mira. The traps of this species can reach at least 24 cm in height. Some specimens are known to produce very dark, almost black upper traps.
Nepenthes Leyte (850m-1500m)
Nepenthes leyte is a carnivorous plant endemic to the island of Leyte in the Philippines. It was described as a new species in 2019 and is known from several localities on the island. This species belongs to the Nepenthes alata group and is closely related to N. alata and N. mindanaoensis. Nepenthes leyte typically grows as an epiphyte in humid forests, between 1000 and 1500 meters above sea level. The traps of this species display a variety of colors, from green to reddish, and can reach lengths of up to 30 centimeters.
Nepenthes Limiana (700m-2171m)
Nepenthes limiana is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Peninsular Malaysia, with records of occurrence in mountain forests located between 700 and 2171 meters above sea level. The species was formally described in 2022, from specimens collected in the mountains of Perak and Kelantan.
The specific epithet “limiana” is a tribute to botanist Lim Siow Yong, recognized for her contributions to the study of Nepenthes flora in the Malaysia region.
Morphologically, Nepenthes limiana is a medium-sized plant, which presents globose to ovoid lower pitchers, with coloration ranging from olive green to intense red, often marked by dark spots. The upper pitchers are more elongated and narrow, with a well-developed peristome, which may present discrete undulations.
The species shares characteristics with Nepenthes benstonei and Nepenthes gracillima, but is distinguished by subtle differences in the shape of the pitchers, texture of the leaves, and aspects of the inflorescence.
Nepenthes limiana grows in humid mountain forest habitats, preferring well-drained slopes and areas with good moss coverage. Despite its relatively wide distribution, it is considered near threatened, due to the degradation of its habitat caused by logging activities and agricultural expansion in mountainous areas.
Nepenthes Lingulata (1700m-2100m)
Nepenthes lingulata is a carnivorous plant native to Borneo and some other nearby islands, such as Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. It is one of the most common and widely distributed species of the genus Nepenthes. The name “lingulata” refers to the shape of the leaves, which are tongue-shaped.
This species grows in a variety of habitats, including humid forests, forest edges, and open areas. It is a climbing plant that can reach up to 20 meters in length.
Nepenthes Longifolia (300m-1100m)
Nepenthes longifolia is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Sumatra, where it grows at altitudes between 300 and 1100 meters above sea level. The specific epithet “longifolia,” formed from the Latin words “longus” (long) and “folius” (leaf), refers to the exceptionally large leaves of this species.
Nepenthes Longiptera (750m-1600m)
Nepenthes longiptera is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Aceh province on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Nepenthes longiptera differs from all other Nepenthes species from Sumatra by the presence of wings on its upper traps. Morphologically, this species closely resembles N. tobaica, but differs in its much larger size, the well-developed wings on its upper traps, the diamond-shaped cross-section of the stem, and the presence of an appendage under the lid.
The presence of putative hybrids with sympatric species has also been recorded.
Nepenthes Lowii (1650m-2600m)
Nepenthes lowii, or Low’s pitcher plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Borneo. It is named after Hugh Low, who discovered it on Mount Kinabalu. This species is perhaps the most unusual in the genus, being characterized by its strongly constricted upper traps, which have a very reduced peristome and a reflexed lid with numerous bristles on the underside.
Nepenthes lowii is known to capture few prey items compared to other Nepenthes. Preliminary observations suggest that this particular species may have moved away from an exclusively (or even primarily) carnivorous nature and adapted to “capture” the feces of birds and shrews that feed on its nectaries.
The upper traps of N. lowii are unusual in having a reflexed lid, which exposes numerous bristles on the underside. A white substance often accumulates between these bristles, the identity of which has been the subject of debate. In the 1960s, J. Harrison assumed that these white pearls were snail eggs. E. J. H. Corner, who led the Royal Society Expeditions to Mount Kinabalu in 1961 and 1964, wrote the following:
“In the early morning, there is a gong sound that we trace to the tupaias (shrews) running through the traps of N. lowii and hitting the old, empty, and resonant traps against each other. The late Professor J. Harrison, of Singapore, discovered that a snail laid its eggs in the hairs under the lid and that the tupaias came to eat them.”
However, observations of N. lowii cultivated by Peter D’Amato and Cliff Dodd showed that these white pearls are produced by the plant itself. The substance was described as having a sweet taste and “a slightly unpleasant odor.” It is not known why the lower traps of N. lowii, which are otherwise typical of the genus, also have bristles and produce these white secretions. Charles Clarke suggested that, by providing a reward close to the ground, the lower traps may guide animals toward the upper traps.
Nepenthes Macfarlanei (1500m-1657m)
Nepenthes macfarlanei, named after botanist John Muirhead Macfarlane, is a species of carnivorous plant endemic to Peninsular Malaysia. It produces attractive pitchers with red spots. The lower pitchers are ovoid or infundibular in the lower half and globose or cylindrical in the upper part, reaching up to 25 cm in height. The upper (aerial) pitchers have a lighter color and wings reduced to ribs. The lower surface of the lid is densely covered with short, white hairs. This is a distinctive morphological characteristic of this species, but its function is currently unknown.
Nepenthes Macrophylla (2200m-2642m)
Nepenthes macrophylla, known as the large-leaved pitcher plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant found only at a restricted elevation on Mount Trusmadi in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.
Nepenthes macrophylla was previously considered a subspecies of N. edwardsiana, but differs from that species in several aspects of pitcher and leaf morphology.
Nepenthes Macrovulgaris (300m-1200m)
Nepenthes macrovulgaris is a species endemic to Borneo. This tropical plant grows in low-altitude areas, usually between 300 and 1200 meters, in submontane forest clearings and mossy forests. Its distribution is restricted to ultramafic habitats, including Mount Kinabalu, Mount Tambuyukon, Danum Valley, Tawai Range, Meliau Range, and Mount Silam, all located in Sabah, in the Malaysian part of Borneo.
Plants of the species Nepenthes macrovulgaris develop pitchers that reach about 25 centimeters in height. The coloration of these pitchers varies from green to brown, with the spotted form being the most common.
Nepenthes Madagascariensis (0m-500m)
Nepenthes madagascariensis is one of two species of carnivorous plants of the genus Nepenthes native to Madagascar, the other being N. masoalensis.
Botanical history: Nepenthes madagascariensis was the first Nepenthes species to be scientifically described. Étienne de Flacourt recorded it in 1658 under the name of Amramatico. He published a description of the plant in his seminal work Histoire de la Grande Isle de Madagascar.
Nepenthes Malayensis (800m-1000m)
Nepenthes malayensis (A.Amin, M.N.Faizal & Dome), or the striped mountain Malaysian carnivorous plant, is a large species of carnivorous plant native and endemic to the mountains of eastern Peninsular Malaysia. The peristomes of the upper and lower traps are abundantly adorned with reddish bands, making the species quite attractive. It grows near mountain peaks, at an altitude of about 800 to 1000 meters above sea level, in partially shaded areas, although some specimens have been observed thriving in open areas.
Nepenthes Malimumuensis (970m-1020m)
Nepenthes malimumuensis is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Pantaron Range, on the island of Mindanao, Philippines, where it grows at altitudes of 1000 to 1020 meters above sea level.
Nepenthes Manobo (970m-1020m)
Nepenthes manobo is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Philippines, discovered in the Pantaron Range, on the island of Mindanao, where it grows in a narrow altitude range of 1000 to 1020 meters above sea level.
Nepenthes Mantalingajanensis (1700m-2085m)
Nepenthes mantalingajanensis is a tropical carnivorous plant known only from the summit region of Mount Mantalingajan, the highest point on the Philippine island of Palawan, after which it is named.
Nepenthes Mapuluensis (700m-800m)
Nepenthes mapuluensis (/nɪˈpɛnθiːz məˌpuːluˈɛnsɪs/), known as the Mapulu carnivorous plant, is a species of tropical carnivorous plant native to eastern Kalimantan, Borneo. It is known only from a restricted geographical area and is listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List. Nepenthes mapuluensis is extremely rare in cultivation.
Nepenthes Maryae (2050m-2150m)
Nepenthes maryae is a tropical carnivorous plant native to Central Sulawesi province, on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. It is known through a single herbarium specimen collected in 2000 on an undisclosed mountain at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level, where the species was growing in a submontane mossy forest alongside N. eymae, N. nigra, and N. tentaculata. It belongs to the section Tentaculatae, which also includes eight other species from Borneo and Sulawesi: N. glabrata, N. hamata, N. muluensis, N. murudensis, N. nigra, N. pitopangii, N. tentaculata, and N. undulatifolia. Nepenthes maryae is distinguished from all other species in this group by the presence of short hairs on the lower surface of the pitcher lid and bracts on approximately 75% of the flowers.
The specific epithet “maryae” is a tribute to Mary Mendum (née Bates) (1945–2004), a botanist from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Nepenthes Masoalensis (0m-400m)
Nepenthes masoalensis (/nɪˈpɛnθiːz ˌmæsoʊˈlɛnsɪs/) is one of two species of tropical carnivorous plants found in Madagascar, the other being N. madagascariensis.
Nepenthes masoalensis is known only from eastern Madagascar, occurring on the Masoala Peninsula and in the Mount Ambato region. It has been recorded in Pandanus and Sphagnum swamps, mountain ridges, and xerophytic vegetation. Nepenthes masoalensis is a low-altitude species, growing at elevations between 0 and 400 meters.
Nepenthes Maxima (40m-2600m)
Nepenthes maxima, the carnivorous plant known as the “great pitcher plant,” has a relatively wide distribution, covering New Guinea, Sulawesi, and the Moluccas Islands. It may also be present on Wowoni Island.
Nepenthes maxima is part of the so-called “N. maxima complex,” which includes, among other species, N. boschiana, N. chaniana, N. epiphytica, N. eymae, N. faizaliana, N. fusca, N. klossii, N. platychila, N. stenophylla, and N. vogelii. These species share similar characteristics and are grouped as a complex within the genus Nepenthes.
Nepenthes Merrilliana (0m-1100m)
Nepenthes merrilliana, named after Elmer Drew Merrill, is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Philippines. It produces some of the largest pitchers in the genus, rivaling those of N. rajah.
The species is native to northern and central Mindanao, as well as the neighboring Dinagat and Samar. Its presence in southern Mindanao is uncertain. It inhabits coastal forest areas on steep slopes, at altitudes of 0 to 1100 meters above sea level.
Nepenthes surigaoensis is closely related to N. merrilliana and was long considered a heterotypic synonym of this species. Nepenthes samar is another closely related species.
Nepenthes Micramphora (1100m-1635m)
Nepenthes micramphora is a tropical carnivorous plant known only from Mount Hamiguitan, on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. It is a high-altitude plant, growing at elevations of 1100 to 1635 meters.
The specific epithet “micramphora” derives from the Greek mikros (small) and the Latin amphora (amphora, urn) and refers to the small pitchers of this species.
Nepenthes Mikei (1100m-2800m)
Nepenthes mikei is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Sumatra. It is characterized by its black-spotted lower and upper pitchers. The species is closely related to N. angasanensis and N. tobaica.
The specific epithet “mikei” honors Mike Hopkins, who co-discovered the species along with the authors of the description.
Nepenthes mikei is a climbing plant that can grow up to a height of 7 meters. Plants from Mount Bandahara are known to produce shoots from short underground rhizomes. Nepenthes mikei is known for making a rapid transition from a rosette phase to a climbing phase
Nepenthes Mindanaoensis (0m-1400m)
Nepenthes mindanaoensis, “from Mindanao,” is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Philippine islands of Mindanao and Dinagat.
Nepenthes Minima (1000m-1700m)
Nepenthes minima is a tropical carnivorous plant native to Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. It grows in seasonally dry fields at altitudes of 1000 to 1700 meters above sea level and has several adaptations to survive forest fires. It is the only known pyrophytic Nepenthes species outside Indochina and the Philippines.
The specific epithet “minima,” in Latin, means “smallest,” and was chosen as an antonym to that of the closely related species N. maxima, with which this species was erroneously confused for a long time.
Nepenthes Mira (1550m-1605m)
Nepenthes mira, from the Latin mirus “wonderful,” is a high-altitude carnivorous plant endemic to Palawan, Philippines. It grows at an altitude of 1550 to 1605 meters above sea level.
Nepenthes Mirabilis (0m-1500m)
Nepenthes mirabilis is by far the most widely distributed species of all Nepenthes, with its range covering mainland Southeast Asia and all major islands of the Malay Archipelago (except the Lesser Sunda Islands and northern Philippines), extending from China in the north to Australia in the south. The species exhibits great variability throughout its distribution. One of the most notable varieties, N. mirabilis var. echinostoma, is endemic to Brunei and Sarawak and has an extremely wide peristome.
Nepenthes Misoolensis (0m-50m)
Nepenthes sp. Misool is found on the island of Misool, in the Raja Ampat archipelago, Indonesia.
Nepenthes Mollis (1300m-2400m)
Nepenthes mollis, also known as the velvety pitcher plant, is a species of tropical carnivorous plant native to Kalimantan, Borneo. The name “mollis” comes from Latin and means “soft,” referring to the plant’s hairy covering.
The habitat of N. mollis is listed as dense forest on a steep slope at an altitude of 1,800 meters. The species is known only from Mount Kemul, the type locality, although a wider distribution is possible, as several neighboring higher mountains remain unexplored.
Nepenthes Monticola (1400m-2620m)
Nepenthes monticola is a tropical carnivorous plant found on several mountains in the central and western regions of the highlands of Western New Guinea, where it grows at altitudes of 1400 to 2620 meters above sea level. Before being described as a species in 2011, N. monticola was grouped with the closely related species N. lamii.
Nepenthes Muluensis (1700m-2400m)
Nepenthes muluensis, or the Mulu pitcher plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Borneo. It grows in highland habitats at an altitude of 1700 to 2400 meters above sea level.
The rosettes and lower pitchers are up to 7 cm tall and 3 cm wide. They are ovate in the lower part and become cylindrical or conical above.
Nepenthes Murudensis (2000m-2423m)
Nepenthes murudensis, or the Murud pitcher plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Mount Murud, in Borneo, which it is named after. It is believed to be of hybrid origin: its two original parent species are considered to be N. reinwardtiana and N. tentaculata.
The pitchers of N. murudensis have an intermediate appearance between those of N. reinwardtiana and N. tentaculata, although they are significantly larger than both. This has led to speculation about the lineage of this species, with several authors suggesting a possible hybrid origin.
Nepenthes Naga (1500m-2000m)
Nepenthes naga is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Barisan Mountains of Sumatra. It is characterized by a bifurcated sub-apical appendage on the underside of the lid and an undulating lid margin. The specific epithet “naga” is the Indonesian word for “dragon” and refers to the distinctive lid appendage of this species, as well as the large size of its pitchers. The name also references local folklore, which reports the occurrence of dragons in this species’ habitat in the past.
Nepenthes naga is a climbing plant that grows to a height of about 5 meters. The stem is up to 1 cm in diameter.
Nepenthes Nebularum (1400m-1800m)
Nepenthes nebularum is a tropical carnivorous plant native to southeastern Mindanao, Philippines. The species was described by Geoff Mansell, owner of Exotica Plants, and Filipino botanist Wally Suarez. So far, it has been recorded with certainty on only two mountains (Mount Hafas and undisclosed location), where it grows in submontane humid forest at an altitude of up to 1800 meters above sea level. It was found in close proximity to N. copelandii, N. truncata, and a taxon that corresponds to the description of N. cornuta.
Nepenthes nebularum shows close affinities with N. robcantleyi and N. truncata.
Nepenthes Negros (1250m-1350m)
Nepenthes negros is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Philippines, specifically to the islands of Biliran and Negros.
Nepenthes negros belongs to the informal “N. alata” group, which also includes N. alata, N. ceciliae, N. copelandii, N. extincta, N. graciliflora, N. hamiguitanensis, N. kitanglad, N. kurata, N. leyte, N. mindanaoensis, N. ramos, N. saranganiensis, and N. ultra. These species are characterized by various morphological features, including winged petioles, lids with basal ridges on the lower surface (often elaborated into appendages), and upper pitchers that are generally wider near the base.
Nepenthes Neoguineensis (0m-1400m)
Nepenthes neoguineensis is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the island of New Guinea, from which it gets its name.
Nepenthes Nigra (1500m-2700m)
Nepenthes nigra is a tropical carnivorous plant found on several mountains in Central Sulawesi, where it grows at an altitude of 1,500 to 2,700 meters above sea level. The specific epithet “nigra” refers to the dark coloration of the pitchers and stems. The species is closely related to N. hamata and N. tentaculata.
Nepenthes Northiana (0m-500m)
Nepenthes northiana, or Miss North’s pitcher plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Borneo, where it grows at altitudes ranging from 0 to 500 meters above sea level. The specific epithet “northiana” honors the English botanical illustrator Marianne North, who first depicted the species. Nepenthes northiana is one of the most famous Nepenthes, and its discovery in the second half of the 19th century contributed to Sarawak’s reputation as a land of spectacular exotic plants.
The pitchers of the rosettes and lower pitchers are generally ovoid, sometimes slightly cylindrical in the upper part. They are among the largest in the genus, reaching 40 cm in height and 15 cm in width. Exceptionally large pitchers can contain more than a liter of liquid.
Nepenthes Orbiculata (0m-50m)
The Nepenthes population in Phang Nga province, previously classified as N. mirabilis var. globosa, is established as a new taxon, described as N. orbiculata.
The name Nepenthes mirabilis var. globosa is still valid, but now refers only to the population of plants growing in the mainland province of Trang, Thailand. About 200 km separate the two populations.
Nepenthes Ovata (1700m-2100m)
Nepenthes ovata is endemic to several mountains in northern Sumatra, particularly in the Lake Toba region. It grows in mossy forests and ridge-top vegetation, often among mosses of the genus Sphagnum. On Mount Pangulubao, the species generally occurs on the ground, while on Mount Lubukraya it often grows as an epiphyte. It has also been recorded on Mount Simanukmanuk. The species has an altitudinal distribution of 1700 to 2100 meters above sea level.
On Mount Pangulubao, N. ovata grows sympatrically with N. gymnamphora (N. xiphioides), N. mikei, N. rhombicaulis, N. spectabilis, and N. tobaica. At another location, it grows alongside N. flava. Natural hybrids with all these species, except N. tobaica, have been recorded.
Despite its restricted distribution, N. ovata is no longer considered threatened and its conservation status has been updated to “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.
Nepenthes Palawanensis (1100m-1236m)
Nepenthes palawanensis is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Sultan Peak, on the island of Palawan, Philippines, where it grows at an elevation of 1100 to 1236 meters above sea level. It was discovered in February 2010 by Jehson Cervancia and Stewart McPherson.
The species appears to be most closely related to N. attenboroughii, which grows on nearby Mount Victoria. Nepenthes palawanensis can be distinguished from N. attenboroughii by its pitchers, which are even larger, sometimes exceeding 35 cm in height, and with a capacity of 1.5 to 2 liters of water. (The largest pitchers still belong to N. rajah.) Another difference from N. attenboroughii is that the pitchers of N. palawanensis are lined with orange to red hairs.
Nepenthes palawanensis was featured as number 4 on Chris Packham’s list of “ten extraordinary and weird species discoveries of the last decade” on the BBC program “Decade of Discovery,” first broadcast on December 14, 2010.
The discovery of N. attenboroughii, by a team that included McPherson, helped to gain local support for the protection of the Mount Victoria region.
Nepenthes Paniculata (1410m-1510m)
Nepenthes paniculata (from the Latin panicula “panicle”) is a tropical carnivorous plant belonging to the genus Nepenthes.
Nepenthes paniculata is probably endemic to Doorman Top, a mountain in New Guinea (03°28′01″S 138°26′59″E). It was recently recorded in a mossy forest on a ridge top at an altitude of 1,460 meters.
Nepenthes Pantaronensis (1340m-1440m)
Nepenthes pantaronensis is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Philippines. It is known only from Mount Sumagaya and the Pantaron Range, in central Mindanao, where it grows in low and high mountain forests. On Mount Sumagaya, it is sympatric with N. sumagaya, and possible hybrids between these species have been recorded. Nepenthes pantaronensis is closely related to N. petiolata and N. pulchra, both also found in Mindanao.
The specific epithet pantaronensis refers to the Pantaron Range, where the species was discovered.
Nepenthes Papuana (0m-1300m)
Nepenthes papuana is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to New Guinea. The specific epithet “papuana” is derived from “Papua,” an alternative name for the island.
Nepenthes Parvula (0m-50m)
Nepenthes parvula is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Australia. It is the fourth Nepenthes species recorded on the continent and the third endemic species. Nepenthes parvula is closely related to the other three Australian Nepenthes species: N. mirabilis, N. rowaniae, and N. tenax.
The specific epithet “parvula” refers to the diminutive size of the mature plants.
Nepenthes Pectinata (950m-2750m)
Nepenthes pectinata[a] was described by B. H. Danser in his important 1928 monograph entitled “The Nepenthaceae of the Netherlands Indies”
The specific epithet is derived from the Latin word “pectinata,” which means “comb-shaped.”
Nepenthes Peltata (865m-1635m)
Nepenthes peltata is a tropical carnivorous plant known only from the upper slopes of Mount Hamiguitan on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. It is characterized by a peltate tendril insertion and conspicuous indumentum. The species generally produces ovoid pitchers with a prominent basal ridge and large nectar glands on the lower surface of the lid.
The specific epithet “peltata” is derived from Latin and means “peltate,” referring to the distinctive tendril insertion in this species.
Nepenthes Pervillei (350m-750m)
Nepenthes pervillei (/nɪˈpɛnθiːz pɜːrˈvɪliaɪ/), named after Auguste Pervillé, a French plant collector, is the only carnivorous plant found in the Seychelles, being endemic to the islands of Mahé and Silhouette. It grows in rocky areas near the peaks of granitic mountains, with its roots reaching deep into the fissures in the rocks. The species has an altitudinal range of 350 to 750 meters above sea level. Like all members of the genus, N. pervillei is dioecious, with separate male and female plants.
The mite Creutzeria seychellensis has been found in the pitchers of N. pervillei.
Nepenthes Petiolata (1450m-1900m)
Nepenthes petiolata, from the Latin petiolatus, which refers to the leaf attachment, is found exclusively in the highlands of the island of Mindanao, Philippines. It grows at an altitude of 1,450 to 1,900 meters above sea level.
Nepenthes Philippinensis (0m-600m)
Nepenthes philippinensis is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Philippines. It is found in Palawan and the neighboring Calamian islands (including Busuanga, Coron, and Culion) and Linapacan, where it grows at an altitude of 0 to 600 meters above sea level.
Nepenthes philippinensis produces the largest number of simultaneous inflorescences of all species in the genus; up to 190 have been recorded on a single plant.
Nepenthes Pilosa (1550m-1650m)
Nepenthes pilosa is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Borneo. It is characterized by a dense indumentum of long, dark yellow hairs. The pitchers have a distinctive hook-shaped appendage on the underside of the lid. The specific epithet derives from the Latin word pilosus, meaning “hairy.”
Nepenthes Pitopangii (1400m-1800m)
Nepenthes pitopangii is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.
The upper pitchers are slightly larger than their terrestrial counterparts, growing up to 7.5 cm tall by 5 cm wide. They narrow sharply just below the pitcher opening, giving them their distinctive inflated appearance.
Nepenthes Platychila (900m-1400m)
Nepenthes platychila (from the Greek “flat-lipped”) is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Hose Mountains in central Sarawak. It is known for its smooth peristome and funnel-shaped upper pitchers.
Nepenthes Pudica (1100m-1300m)
Nepenthes pudica is a tropical carnivorous plant found in a few localities in the Mentarang Hulu district, in North Kalimantan, Borneo, where it occurs at an altitude of 1100 to 1300 meters above sea level. It is notable for producing underground achlorophyllous stems that bear functional underground pitchers; few pitchers are produced above ground.
Nepenthes pudica may have developed its underground pitchers due to the seasonally dry conditions of the ridges where it inhabits. The species appears to predominantly capture ants, like most studied species of the genus Nepenthes. Nepenthes pudica is the first described species of carnivorous plant (of any genus) to use pitfall traps specifically in the underground environment. Morphologically, it is closest to N. hirsuta and N. hispida.
The specific epithet “pudica” is derived from Latin and means “shy” or “modest,” referring to the species’ tendency to hide its pitchers.
Nepenthes Pulchra (1300m-1800m)
Nepenthes pulchra is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Philippine island of Mindanao, where it grows at an altitude of 1300 to 1800 meters above sea level. Its discovery was announced online in August 2011.
Nepenthes Putaiguneung (2270m-2370m)
Nepenthes putaiguneung is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the highlands of the island of Sumatra, Indonesia.
Nepenthes Rafflesiana (0m-1200m)
Nepenthes rafflesiana (/nɪˈpɛnθiːz ræˌfliːziˈɑːnə/; named after Stamford Raffles), or Raffles’ pitcher plant, is a species of tropical carnivorous plant. It has a wide distribution that covers Borneo, Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, and Singapore. Nepenthes rafflesiana is extremely variable, with numerous forms and varieties described. In Borneo alone, there are at least three distinct varieties. The giant form of this species produces enormous pitchers that rival in size those of N. rajah.
Nepenthes rafflesiana is a very popular tropical carnivorous plant in gardening. Although it is a low-altitude species, which prefers the hot and humid conditions found in tropical rainforests, it can be grown as an intermediate species, with slightly cooler nights and less humidity.
Nepenthes Rajah (1500m-2650m)
Nepenthes rajah, also known as the carnivorous plant, is a species of carnivorous plant in the family Nepenthaceae. It is endemic to Mount Kinabalu and neighboring Mount Tambuyukon in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Nepenthes rajah grows exclusively on serpentine substrates, especially in areas of groundwater seepage where the soil is loose and permanently moist. The species has an altitudinal range of 1,500 to 2,650 meters above sea level and is considered a high-altitude or subalpine plant. Due to its localized distribution, N. rajah is classified as an endangered species by the IUCN and listed in Appendix I of CITES.
Nepenthes rajah is best known for the enormous urn-shaped pitchers it produces, which can reach 41 cm in height and 20 cm in width. They are capable of holding 3.5 liters of water and more than 2.5 liters of digestive fluid, making them probably the largest in volume within the genus. Another morphological feature of N. rajah is the peltate insertion of the leaf blade and tendril, present in only a few other species.
Although Nepenthes rajah is best known for capturing and digesting animals, its pitchers also house a wide variety of other organisms, which are believed to form a mutualistically beneficial association with the plant. Many of these animals are so specialized that they cannot survive anywhere else and are called nepenthebiont. N. rajah has two mosquitoes with names derived from it: Culex rajah and Toxorhynchites rajah.
Nepenthes Ramispina (900m-2000m)
Nepenthes ramispina is a species of carnivorous plant, endemic to the highlands of Peninsular Malaysia.
Nepenthes Ramos (670m-1400m)
Nepenthes ramos is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to northeastern Mindanao, Philippines. It is known only from a few herbarium specimens collected in 1919 at an altitude of 670 meters above sea level. It probably grows in forests on ultramafic soils.
Nepenthes Reinwardtiana (0m-2200m)
Nepenthes reinwardtiana is a tropical carnivorous plant native to Borneo and Sumatra, as well as some smaller neighboring islands, including Bangka, Natuna, Nias, and Siberut. Although some sources have included the Malay Peninsula and Singapore within the distribution area of this species, these records appear to be erroneous.
Nepenthes reinwardtiana has an unusually wide altitudinal distribution, ranging from 0 to 2200 meters, being considered both a “lowland” and a “highland” plant. There are many forms of different colors, ranging from green to dark red. This species is known for the two “eye spots” on the inner surface of its traps.
The specific epithet reinwardtiana pays tribute to Caspar Georg Carl Reinwardt. The species has been given the vernacular name of Reinwardt’s pitcher plant.
Nepenthes Rhombicaulis (1600m-2000m)
Nepenthes rhombicaulis is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Sumatra. The specific epithet “rhombicaulis” is formed from the Latin words “rhombicus,” meaning “rhombic,” and “caulis,” meaning “stem.” It refers to the rhombic-shaped sectional form of the stem internodes.
Nepenthes Rigidifolia (1000m-1600m)
Nepenthes rigidifolia is a critically endangered tropical carnivorous plant, endemic to Sumatra, where it grows at altitudes of 1000 to 1600 meters above sea level. The specific epithet “rigidifolia” is formed from the Latin words “rigidus” (rigid) and “folia” (leaves), and refers to the plant’s rigid and coriaceous leaves. Tahul-tahul is a local vernacular name recorded for this species.
Nepenthes Robcantleyi (1750m-1850m)
Nepenthes robcantleyi, or Robert Cantley’s pitcher plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Philippine island of Mindanao. It is closely related to Nepenthes truncata and was once considered a dark, high-altitude form of that species. Nepenthes veitchii from Borneo is also believed to be a close relative.
The pitchers of N. robcantleyi are exceptionally large, reaching 40 cm in length by 10 cm in width. The inflorescence, up to 2.5 m in length, is the tallest among known Nepenthes species. The plant itself does not grow very tall and is not known to climb.
The specific epithet “robcantleyi” honors Robert Cantley, who was involved in the discovery, propagation, and introduction of the plant into cultivation.
Nepenthes Rosea (450m-520m)
Nepenthes rosea is a tropical carnivorous plant known only in Krabi province, on the Thai Peninsula, where it grows at an altitude of 450-520 meters above sea level. It is unusual because it sometimes produces a rosette along the peduncle.
Nepenthes Rowaniae (0m-80m)
Nepenthes rowaniae is a species of carnivorous plant endemic to the Cape York Peninsula, Australia. It is closely related to the species N. mirabilis and was once considered an extreme form of that species. The species name is a tribute to Ellis Rowan, an Australian naturalist and illustrator.
Nepenthes Samar (0m-600m)
Nepenthes samar is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Philippines. It is known only on the island of Samar, which gives it its name. The species is closely related to Nepenthes merrilliana.
Nepenthes Sanguinea (300m-1800m)
Nepenthes sanguinea is known for its large and vigorous traps. It is native to the Malay Peninsula and southern Thailand, where it grows at altitudes ranging from 300 to 1800 meters. Its traps vary in size, between 10 and 30 centimeters in height, and display a wide range of colors, from green and yellow to orange and red. The interior of the traps usually has spots in the predominant colors. The plant was introduced to Victorian Britain by Thomas Lobb, a plant hunter and botanist from Cornwall, through the Veitch Nurseries.
Nepenthes Saranganiensis (700m-800m)
Nepenthes saranganiensis is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the island of Mindanao, Philippines.
Nepenthes Sericea (900m-2150m)
Nepenthes sericea is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the north-central region of the Titiwangsa Range, in Peninsular Malaysia, being especially found in the Cameron Highlands.
Nepenthes Sibuyanensis (1250m-1500m)
Nepenthes sibuyanensis is endemic to Sibuyan Island, Philippines, from which it received its name.
Nepenthes Singalana (2000m-2900m)
Nepenthes singalana is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the island of Sumatra, where it grows at an altitude of 2000-2900 meters above sea level. It is most closely related to Nepenthes diatas and Nepenthes spathulata.
Nepenthes Smilesii (0m-1500m)
Nepenthes smilesii is a tropical carnivorous plant native to northeastern Thailand, southern Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Nepenthes smilesii can tolerate a prolonged dry season and is most common in open savannas and sandy grass fields. The specific epithet smilesii refers to plant collector Frederick Henry Smiles, who made the first known collection of this species.
Nepenthes Spathulata (1100m-2900m)
Nepenthes spathulata is a tropical carnivorous plant native to Java and Sumatra, where it grows at altitudes between 1100 and 2900 meters above sea level. The specific epithet spathulata derives from the Latin word spathulatus, meaning “spatula-shaped,” and refers to the shape of the leaf blade.
Nepenthes Spectabilis (1400m-2200m)
Nepenthes spectabilis is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Sumatra, where it grows at altitudes between 1400 and 2200 meters above sea level. The specific epithet spectabilis is from Latin and means “visible” or “notable.”
Nepenthes Stenophylla (800m-2600m)
Nepenthes stenophylla, or the narrow-leaved pitcher plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Borneo. The species produces attractive funnel-shaped traps up to 25 cm in height.
Nepenthes Sumagaya (1600m-2247m)
Nepenthes sumagaya is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Philippines. It is known only from Mount Sumagaya, in north-central Mindanao, where it grows in open areas at elevations ranging from 1600 m above sea level to the summit at 2247 m. It coexists with the species N. pantaronensis, and possible hybrids between these two species have been recorded. Due to its unusual combination of morphological characteristics, N. sumagaya has no obvious close relatives in the genus.
Nepenthes Sumatrana (0m-800m)
Nepenthes sumatrana is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Indonesian island of Sumatra, from which it gets its name.
Nepenthes Suratensis (0m-200m)
Nepenthes suratensis is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Surat Thani province, Thailand, where it grows near sea level in coastal savannas and lawn areas. The species is considered most closely related to Nepenthes andamana. The specific epithet suratensis is derived from the name of Surat Thani province and the Latin suffix -ensis, meaning “from.”
Nepenthes Surigaoensis (800m-1200m)
Nepenthes surigaoensis is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the island of Mindanao, Philippines, where it grows at altitudes of at least 800 to 1200 meters above sea level.
The species is named after the Surigao Peninsula, where the type specimen was collected. It is closely related to Nepenthes merrilliana and was long considered a heterotypic synonym of that species.
Nepenthes Talaandig (950m-1050m)
Nepenthes talaandig is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Philippines. It is known only from the Pantaron Range, in central Mindanao, where it grows terrestrially on ultramafic soils at about 1000 meters above sea level.
The specific epithet “talaandig” refers to the Talaandig people, whose ancestral lands in eastern Bukidnon are the habitat of this species.
Nepenthes Talangensis (1800m-2500m)
Nepenthes talangensis is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Sumatra, where it grows in upper montane forests at elevations of 1800 to 2500 meters above sea level.
The specific epithet “talangensis” is derived from the name of Mount Talang, to which the species is endemic, and the Latin suffix -ensis, meaning “from.”
Nepenthes talangensis produces an extremely thick and mucilaginous pitcher liquid, which coats the entire inner surface of the traps in a thin layer. The pitchers of this species appear to function, at least in part, as adhesive fly traps, with the sticky inner walls capturing flying insects above the surface of the fluid.
Nepenthes Taminii (900m–1950m)
Nepenthes taminii is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to West Sumatra, Indonesia, with documented occurrence between 900 and 1950 meters above sea level, especially in humid montane forests.
Its name honors Indonesian botanist Pak Tamini, in recognition of his contributions to the study of local flora. The species was formally described in 2007, from collections made in the Tapanuli region.
Morphologically, N. taminii presents ovoid lower pitchers with swollen base and coloration ranging from light green to purple, usually with contrasting spots. The upper pitchers are more cylindrical and slender, with a thin and slightly undulating peristome. The leaves are narrow, coriaceous, and with an acute apex.
Although not widely spread in cultivation, it is a species of growing interest for its elegant aesthetics and for representing another piece of the remarkable diversity of Nepenthes in Sumatra.
Nepenthes Tayninhensis (0m–50m)
Nepenthes tayninhensis is an extremely rare tropical carnivorous species, endemic to low-altitude areas in southern Vietnam, particularly in Tây Ninh province, near the border with Cambodia. Its occurrence has been recorded at altitudes between 0 and 50 meters above sea level, in regions of open and sandy vegetation.
The epithet “tayninhensis” refers directly to the province where the species was discovered and described, emphasizing its highly restricted geographical distribution.
The botanical information available about this species is still scarce. However, the general morphology suggests affinities with the Nepenthes mirabilis complex, with slender and elongated pitchers, and predominantly light green to yellowish coloration.
Due to its restricted occurrence and increasing pressure on low-altitude habitats in Southeast Asia, N. tayninhensis is potentially vulnerable and lacks formal conservation assessment.
Nepenthes Tboli (1413m–1513m)
Nepenthes tboli is a tropical carnivorous species endemic to the island of Mindanao, Philippines, restricted to the montane forests of the Daguma Range, where it occurs between 1413 and 1513 meters of altitude. The species name honors the indigenous Tboli people, who inhabit the region where the plant was discovered.
The species was recently described and is notable for its compact size and pitchers that present variable coloration, from green to dark red, with thick and slightly reflexed peristome. The lower pitchers have an ovoid shape, while the upper ones are narrower and delicately arched.
N. tboli shares morphological similarities with species of the high-altitude complex of Mindanao, but preliminary analyses indicate that it has unique characteristics that justify its taxonomic distinction.
Due to its extremely restricted distribution and the advancement of human activities in the region, the species is considered highly vulnerable, requiring urgent protection and additional ecological studies.
Nepenthes tboli is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Philippines. The type specimen was collected in 1993 near Lake Parker, T’Boli, in South Cotabato, Mindanao, at an altitude of 1,463 meters above sea level.
Nepenthes tboli is considered a rare species and is known only from a few collected specimens.
Nepenthes Tenax (0m-80m)
Nepenthes tenax is a low-altitude carnivorous plant species native to northern Queensland, Australia. It is the third Nepenthes species recorded on the continent and the second endemic species. Nepenthes tenax is closely related to the other three Australian Nepenthes species: N. mirabilis, N. rowaniae, and N. parvula.
Nepenthes tenax grows to about 100 cm in height, with pitchers rarely exceeding 15 cm. The stem generally supports itself. In its natural habitat, it is sympatric with N. mirabilis and N. rowaniae. Simple and complex natural hybrids involving both species have been found.
Nepenthes Tentaculata (400m-2550m)
Nepenthes tentaculata, or the fringed pitcher plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant with wide distribution in Borneo and Sulawesi. It grows at altitudes of 400 to 2550 meters.
The specific epithet “tentaculata” is derived from the Latin word “tentacula,” meaning “tentacles,” and refers to the multicellular appendages on the upper surface of the pitcher lid.
Nepenthes Tenuis (1000m-1200m)
Nepenthes tenuis, or the slender pitcher plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The species was first collected in 1957, from a remote mountain in the western part of the island.
Nepenthes Thai (500m-600m)
Nepenthes thai, or the Thai trumpet pitcher plant, is a tropical pitcher plant endemic to southern Thailand. It grows on limestone hills at an altitude of 500 to 600 meters above sea level. Nepenthes thai has no known natural hybrids.
Nepenthes Thorelii (0m-200m)
Nepenthes thorelii, or Thorel’s trumpet pitcher plant, is a tropical pitcher plant endemic to Indochina. Little is known about N. thorelii, and it is unlikely to have been cultivated, although several other species are often erroneously labeled as this species in the plant trade. Before its rediscovery in 2011, N. thorelii was considered possibly extinct, both in the wild and in cultivation.
Nepenthes thorelii is a shrub with an erect stem of smooth circular section and funnel shape. The stem reaches 40 cm in height and has a diameter of 4 to 8 mm. The species has a well-developed perennial root that produces shoots each rainy season. The root is irregularly branched and can measure up to 2 cm in width.
Nepenthes Tobaica (380m-1800m)
Nepenthes tobaica is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Sumatra. It is particularly abundant around Lake Toba, which gave it its name.
Nepenthes tobaica is closely related to N. angasanensis, N. gracilis, N. mikei, and N. reinwardtiana.
Nepenthes Tomoriana (0m-500m)
Nepenthes tomoriana is a species of carnivorous plant endemic to Sulawesi, where it grows at an altitude of 0 to 500 meters above sea level. The species name refers to Tomori Bay, from where the types originate.
Nepenthes Treubiana (0m-80m)
Nepenthes treubiana is a tropical carnivorous plant native to Western New Guinea and Misool Island, including some smaller islands. The species name is a tribute to Melchior Treub.
This species occurs on the cliffs of McCluer Gulf and in coastal regions of the Fakfak peninsula. Large subpopulations have been confirmed on Misool. During an earlier trip to the island, geographer Stewart McPherson did not find any plants of this species, although he did find N. sp. Misool.
Nepenthes treubiana has no known natural hybrids. No forms or varieties have been described.
Nepenthes Truncata (0m–1500m)
Nepenthes truncata is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Philippines, with confirmed occurrence on the islands of Mindanao, Leyte, and Dinagat, where it inhabits from sea level to altitudes of 1500 meters. The species thrives in both humid lowland forests and mountainous slopes with dense vegetation cover and high relative humidity.
The name “truncata” directly refers to the shape of its leaves, which have a heart-shaped truncated apex, a distinctive characteristic of the species. It is a robust scandent plant, with broad and coriaceous leaves that can reach impressive dimensions.
Its pitchers are considered among the largest in the genus, potentially exceeding 40 cm in height and holding volumes of up to 1 liter or more of digestive fluid. They have a wide base and ovoid shape, with a thick and strongly striated peristome, as well as a relatively small lid in proportion to the size of the pitcher. The colorations range from olive green to deep red, with wide diversity among individuals.
Despite being widely cultivated in botanical collections, Nepenthes truncata gained notoriety after a 2006 record, when a plant cultivated at the Lyon Botanical Gardens in France was photographed containing the decomposing carcass of a rat inside a pitcher. This episode represents the first known record of mammal predation by N. truncata in a controlled environment, suggesting that, under ideal conditions, the species is capable of capturing small vertebrates.
Although such cases are rare, the plant’s digestive capacity does not include bones and highly mineralized tissues, such as those of mammals. Still, the event reinforces the extreme predatory potential of N. truncata, alongside other species such as N. rajah and N. rafflesiana.
Historically, some populations with dark coloration and distribution at higher altitude were considered variants of this species. Nepenthes robcantleyi, for example, was initially described as a form of N. truncata, but is currently recognized as a distinct species, based on morphological and genetic analyses.
Nepenthes truncata is widely cultivated, valued by both collectors and researchers, and represents one of the most iconic and impactful species of the genus.
Nepenthes Ultra (0m-400m)
Nepenthes ultra is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Philippine island of Luzon, where it grows at low altitudes on ultramafic soils (hence the name).
Nepenthes ultra belongs to the informal “N. alata” group, which also includes N. alata, N. ceciliae, N. copelandii, N. extincta, N. graciliflora, N. hamiguitanensis, N. kitanglad, N. kurata, N. leyte, N. mindanaoensis, N. negros, N. ramos, and N. saranganiensis. These species are characterized by several common morphological features, such as winged petioles, lids with basal ridges on the lower surface (often elaborated into appendages), and upper pitchers that are generally wider near the base.
Nepenthes Ulukaliana (900m-1800m)
Nepenthes ulukaliana is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the southern region of the Titiwangsa Range, in Peninsular Malaysia. Nepenthes ulukaliana has been compared to Nepenthes macfarlanei, however, it presents several distinctions. The pitchers of N. ulukaliana are adorned with a dense covering of filamentous hairs on the lid, measuring less than 1 mm in length, in contrast to the pitchers of N. macfarlanei, which have numerous thickened hairs ranging from 5 to 12 mm in length. Additionally, the lower pitchers of N. ulukaliana have an amphora or urceolate shape, unlike N. macfarlanei, which has an ovoid shape in the basal portion of the pitcher, with a subtle expansion, and then becomes cylindrical above the expansion. Furthermore, the peristome of N. ulukaliana is flat in the front, with a well-defined column that emerges abruptly and perpendicularly at the back, while the peristome of N. macfarlanei is curved in lateral view, with the column arising gradually.
Nepenthes Undulatifolia (1750m-1850m)
Nepenthes undulatifolia is a tropical carnivorous plant known only in southeastern Sulawesi, where it grows at an altitude of about 1800 meters above sea level. The specific epithet “undulatifolia” refers to the undulating margins of the leaves of this species.
Nepenthes Veitchii (0m-1600m)
Nepenthes veitchii, also known as Veitch’s pitcher plant, is a species of Nepenthes native to the island of Borneo. The plant is found throughout the northwestern region of Borneo and also in parts of Kalimantan. It grows in lowland dipterocarp forests, usually near rivers, and on mountain tops in humid forests, at altitudes ranging from 0 to 1,600 meters. Nepenthes veitchii generally grows as an epiphyte, although the Bario form appears to be strictly terrestrial and has not been observed climbing trees.
Frederick William Burbidge described the growth habit of N. veitchii in The Gardeners’ Chronicle as follows:
Now, regarding N. Veitchii. This is a true epiphyte. I never found it on the ground anywhere, but in great quantity from 20 to 100 feet high on the trunks of trees. Its distichous habit is unique, I believe, and some of the leaves wrap themselves around the tree, just as a man would wrap his arms under similar circumstances. No other species of Nepenthes, as far as I know, has this habit.
Odoardo Beccari found N. veitchii at the top of Mount Santubong in 1865. He wrote the following account of his discovery:
This is one of the most beautiful and rare pitcher plants. … Some of the specimens I obtained measured ten inches in length. The mouth of the pitcher in this species is certainly the most striking and remarkable part, due to its intense orange color and its vertical position. It is also a perfect trap for attracting insects to its interior, drawing them from afar with its bright colors. Sir Joseph Hooker compares the mouth of the pitchers of N. veitchii to the gills of a fish, with their narrow blades converging to the center, which they truly resemble.
Nepenthes veitchii is believed to be closely related to N. robcantleyi from the Philippines. It has also been compared to N. truncata.
Nepenthes Ventricosa (1000m-2000m)
Nepenthes ventricosa, also known as the ventricose pitcher plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Philippines, where it is a high-altitude species, growing at an elevation of 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level. It has been recorded on the islands of Luzon, Panay, and Sibuyan. The pitchers are numerous, reaching up to 20 centimeters in height and varying in color from ivory white to red.
Nepenthes ventricosa is very close to both N. burkei and N. sibuyanensis, but can be distinguished by a narrower waist in the middle of the pitchers, a smaller mouth, and, generally, a thinner peristome.
Nepenthes Vieillardii (0m-850m)
Nepenthes vieillardii is a species of carnivorous plant endemic to the island of New Caledonia. Its name is a tribute to Eugène Vieillard, a plant collector from New Caledonia and Tahiti between 1861 and 1867. Its distribution is the easternmost among Nepenthes species. Its natural habitat is shrubs or forests, with altitudes of up to about 900 meters.
The mosquitoes Tripteroides caledonicus breed in the pitchers of this species.
Nepenthes Villosa (1600m-3240m)
Nepenthes villosa, or the villous pitcher plant, is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Mount Kinabalu and neighboring Mount Tambuyukon, in northeastern Borneo. It grows at higher altitudes than any other Nepenthes species in Borneo, occurring at altitudes above 3,200 m (10,500 ft). Nepenthes villosa is characterized by its highly developed and intricate peristome, which distinguishes it from the closely related species N. edwardsiana and N. macrophylla.
Nepenthes villosa is a fragile climber, rarely exceeding 60 cm in height, although the stem can grow up to 8 m in length and 10 mm in diameter. The internodes are cylindrical and can reach 10 cm in length.
The specific epithet villosa is derived from Latin and means “hairy,” referring to the dense indumentum of this species.
Nepenthes Viridis (0m-50m)
Nepenthes viridis is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to the Philippines. It is known only from coastal areas at low altitudes and has been recorded on Dinagat, Samar, and a number of surrounding islets. It is closely related to the N. alata species group.
The specific epithet “viridis” is from Latin and means “green,” referring to the typical yellowish-green coloration of its traps, which remains regardless of sun exposure.
Nepenthes Vogelii (1000m-1500m)
Nepenthes vogelii is a tropical carnivorous plant endemic to Borneo. It is believed to be most closely related to Nepenthes fusca.
The rosette leaves and lower traps of Nepenthes vogelii are cylindrical and have a small, horizontal mouth. Unusually, they lack ventral wings. The lid is broadly triangular and has no appendages. The traps have a yellowish coloration with dark spots and a striped peristome.
The upper traps are generally infundibular, although their shape can vary from narrowly funnel-shaped to distinctly bulbous in the upper portion. This bulbous portion corresponds to the upper waxy zone of the inner surface.
Nepenthes Weda (415m-1014m)
Nepenthes weda is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the island of Halmahera, in North Maluku, Indonesia. Currently, it is known only from Bukit Limber, Weda Bay (near the center of the island), where it grows in low montane forest on ultramafic substrates at an altitude of 415 to 1014 meters above sea level.
Nepenthes Xiphioides (1800m-1900m)
Nepenthes xiphioides was described by Bruce Salmon and Ricky Maulder in a 1995 issue of the Carnivorous Plant Newsletter. The authors treated N. pectinata as conspecific with N. gymnamphora and distinguished N. xiphioides from the latter based on several characteristics.
Nepenthes Zakriana (800m-2500m)
Nepenthes zakriana is indeed native to Borneo (Sabah) and grows mainly in the humid tropical biome. It is a carnivorous plant species endemic to the region.
Nepenthes Zygon (1500m-1875m)
Nepenthes zygon is a tropical carnivorous plant native to the Philippines. The type specimen of the species originates from a plant cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, grown from seeds collected in 1997 by Robert Cantley on Mount Pasian, in Mindanao.
References
World Flora Online Consortium (2025). Updated taxonomic data on Nepenthes. Available at: http://www.worldfloraonline.org/
Plants of the World Online (POWO) – Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed May 2025. Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species – International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Accessed May 2025. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/