Nepenthes murudensis
About
A notable endemic species, *Nepenthes murudensis* is found only on Mount Murud in Borneo. It is a climbing plant that is thought to be a hybrid of *N. reinwardtiana* and *N. tentaculata*, but has developed distinct, robust characteristics.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant is a climbing species with stems up to 5 m long and 5 mm wide. Leaves are coriaceous and oblong-elliptic, reaching 12 cm long by 4 cm wide. Lower pitchers are ovoid to sub-cylindrical, reaching 20 cm in height and 5 cm in width, featuring a well-developed waxy zone and a pair of fringed wings. Upper pitchers are more cylindrical and elongate, growing up to 30 cm, with wings reduced to prominent ribs. The lid is ovate-obovate, up to 6 cm by 5 cm, and has a dense indumentum on inflorescences and some vegetative parts.
Distribution & habitat
Endemic to the summit area of Mount Murud in Sarawak, Borneo, with an elevational range of 2,000–2,423 m above sea level. It typically grows in stunted montane scrub and mossy forest.
Ecology
The species is sympatric with two true toad species, Pelophryne linanitensis and Pelophryne murudensis, which may breed in its pitchers. It often scrambles over low vegetation or grows as small rosettes.
History & etymology
The taxon was informally named by Alastair Culham and used since at least 1994. It was formally described in 1997 by Matthew Jebb and Martin Cheek.
Conservation
The species is listed as Least concern on the IUCN Red List (2018).
Habitat
- Altitude
- 2,000–2,423 m
- Altitude class
- highland
- Native to
- Borneo
- IUCN status
- Least Concern
Taxonomy
- Described
- 1997
- Authority
- Culham ex Jebb & Cheek
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate