Nepenthes sericea
About
A notable highland species, *Nepenthes sericea* is distinguished by its upper pitchers, which feature a dense covering of fine, filamentous lid hairs, unlike the thicker hairs found on related species. It is endemic to the Titiwangsa Range in Peninsular Malaysia.
Field notes
Morphology
The upper pitchers can be entirely infundibular or funnel-shaped with a slight narrowing just below the peristome, or some plants may have a mid-point hip, with the rest of the pitcher turning cylindrical to sub-infundibular above the hip. The lower pitchers often become encased in a dense layer of Sphagnum moss.
Distribution & habitat
Endemic to the Titiwangsa Range in Peninsular Malaysia, found at elevations ranging from 1,300 meters up to 2,180 meters.
Ecology
The plant can grow terrestrially or as an epiphyte within mossy forests and on scrub-covered mountain peaks.
History & etymology
The specific epithet 'sericea' comes from the Latin word sericus, meaning 'silken', referencing the fine hairs of the plant.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 1,300–2,183 m
- Altitude class
- highland
- Native to
- Malaysia
- IUCN status
- Least Concern
Taxonomy
- Described
- 2023
- Authority
- Golos, Wistuba, G.Lim, Mey, S.McPherson & A.S.Rob.
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate