Pitcher plants of a hill
There are more than 30 species of pitcher plant (Nepenthes spp.) in Borneo. New species is described by scientist/researcher almost every one or two year !!! Borneo is the center of bio-diversity for pitcher plant of the genus called Nepenthes.
In this hill (see picture below) is a disturbed Kerangas (/health) forest. In the past, forests were cleared for logging and agriculture purpose. The soil is poor in nutrient. Not many species of flora manage to grow in this dry land except pitcher plant. Pitcher plant is found abundantly here in this hot & dry land !!!
The act of irresponsible people. Human is really good in destroying mother earth. All the trees in this area were gone since long time ago except some in the summit area.
Nepenthes albomarginata.
Nepenthes ampullaria.
Inflorescence of Nepenthes ampullaria. (male flowers)
Inflorescence of Nepenthes ampullaria. An ant is looking for nectar of the male flowers.
Nepenthes gracilis.
Nepenthes gracilis
Nepenthes hirsuta. (Found at summit area, about 1000 feet from sea level)
Nepenthes hirsuta.
Nepenthes mirabilis.
Nepenthes mirabilis.
Nepenthes rafflesiana.
Nepenthes rafflesiana. In order to show the sense of scale, my hand is holding the giant pitcher of Nepenthes rafflesiana. This lower pitcher of Nepenthes rafflesiana is at least 20cm tall !!!!
Developing pitcher of Nepenthes rafflesiana.
Nepenthes x kuchingensis. (natural hybrid between Nepenthes ampullaria and Nepenthes mirabilis)
Close-up picture of Nepenthes x kuchingensis.
