Nepenthes abgracilis
About
A striking climbing plant, *Nepenthes abgracilis*, is notable for its large, subcylindrical upper pitchers and its restricted range to Mindanao. It is part of the informal 'N. micramphora group' and is easily distinguished from related species by the size and shape of its traps.
Field notes
Morphology
The climbing stems are terete, wingless, and 6–7 mm in diameter. Leaves are coriaceous, narrowly oblanceolate-oblong, measuring up to 29 by 3.1 cm, and clasp the stem for three-quarters to four-fifths of its circumference. Upper pitchers are subcylindrical, measuring about 16.4 cm in height by 5.5 cm in width, with a distinct, slightly lobed peristome (2.5–4 mm in diameter) and an ovate-elliptic operculum (5.2 cm by 4 cm).
Distribution & habitat
Known only from the former Surigao Province on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, specifically at altitudes around 670 m above sea level. It is said to grow on forested submontane ridges, likely over ultramafic substrates.
History & etymology
Formally described by Martin Cheek and Matthew Jebb on 6 December 2013. The specific epithet abgracilis is derived from 'gracilis', referring to an early identification of a herbarium specimen as N. gracilis.
Conservation
Informally assessed as Critically Endangered due to its known occurrence from a single locality. Potential threats include mining activity for metal ore in the region.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 670–670 m
- Altitude class
- intermediate
- Native to
- Philippines, Mindanao
- IUCN status
- Critically Endangered
Taxonomy
- Described
- 2013
- Authority
- Jebb & Cheek
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate