Nepenthes fractiflexa
About
*Nepenthes fractiflexa* is notable for its unique growth habit, producing secondary stems and activated axillary buds that form bract-like prophylls. It is also one of the first species proposed to exhibit concaulescence, where the inflorescence emerges from the middle of the internode.
Field notes
Morphology
The species is considerably more diminutive than N. mollis and features secondary stems and activated axillary buds that commonly develop into bract-like prophylls up to 5 cm long.
Distribution & habitat
Endemic to Borneo, with records from Sarawak and Kalimantan, growing in ridge forest at elevations of 1,400–2,150 m above sea level.
History & etymology
The specific epithet fractiflexa is formed from the Latin fractus (broken) and flexus (bend), referring to the characteristic distichous vining stems that bend alternately at the nodes in a zig-zag fashion.
Conservation
Informally assessed as Near Threatened according to the IUCN Red List criteria.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 1,400–2,150 m
- Altitude class
- highland
- Native to
- Borneo, Sarawak, Kalimantan
Taxonomy
- Described
- 2020
- Authority
- Golos, A.S.Rob. & Barer
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate