Nepenthes rowaniae
About
A distinct pitcher plant endemic to the Cape York Peninsula, *Nepenthes rowaniae* was once considered an extreme growth form of *N. mirabilis*, but subsequent field observations confirmed its unique morphological and ecological characteristics, leading to its elevation to species status.
Field notes
Morphology
The species is noted for its campanulate-infundibuliform upper pitchers, a character that distinguishes it from N. mirabilis.
Distribution & habitat
Cape York Peninsula, Australia.
History & etymology
The epithet is based on the personal name Rowan. While initially placed in synonymy with N. mirabilis by Danser in 1928, the taxon was elevated to a species in 2005 following field observations that demonstrated stable, significant morphological and ecological differences.
Conservation
Assessed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 0–80 m
- Altitude class
- lowland
- Native to
- Australia
- IUCN status
- Least Concern
Taxonomy
- Described
- 1897
- Authority
- F.M.Bailey
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate