Nepenthes pongoides
About
This notable species, *Nepenthes pongoides*, is recognized for its large size among Bornean Nepenthes and its unique, exceptionally well-developed indumentum of long, coarse, dark reddish trichomes. It is also characterized by peltate tendril exertion and the absence of upper pitchers.
Field notes
Morphology
The species is characterized by peltate tendril exertion and the absence of upper pitchers.
Distribution & habitat
Endemic to the Meliau Range in central Sabah, Malaysia, at elevations of about 900 meters or more.
History & etymology
The specific epithet, pongoides, was derived from Pongo, a genus of primates (orangutans), combined with the Greek suffix '-oides' meaning 'resembling,' referring to the highly developed and persistent red indumentum found on the stems, phyllodes, tendrils, and pitchers.
Conservation
Critically Endangered
Habitat
- Altitude
- 900–900 m
- Altitude class
- intermediate
- Native to
- Sabah, Malaysia
- IUCN status
- Critically Endangered
Taxonomy
- Described
- 2024
- Authority
- Damit, Yusof, Jumian, & A.S.Rob.
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate