Heliamphora exappendiculata
Appendix-less sun pitcher
About
A notable Venezuelan marsh pitcher plant, *Heliamphora exappendiculata* is distinctive for its flattened pitcher mouths, which act as landing platforms for insects. It is found in diverse habitats, ranging from wet gorge walls to summit savannahs.
Field notes
Distribution & habitat
Chimantá and Aprada Massifs of Bolívar state, Venezuela
Ecology
Pitchers collect insects on flattened pitcher mouths, which function as 'landing platforms' upon which prey falls from surrounding vegetation. The pitcher shape also effectively collects leaf litter and organic debris, potentially serving as an additional source of nutrition.
History & etymology
The species was previously considered a variety of H. heterodoxa but has recently been raised to species rank.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 1,800–2,500 m
- Altitude class
- highland
- Native to
- Venezuela
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- difficult
- Temperature
- Day 16–22°C / Night 6–12°C
- Humidity
- 75–90%
- Notes
- Lacks the nectar spoon found in other Heliamphora.