The past 2-3 years have seen a surge in discoveries of new Nepenthes species in this region, particularly in the highlands of Phillippines, which is turning out to be a bubbling hot spot. Examples include N. gantungensis, N. hamiguitanensis, N. leonardoi and N. palawanensis and N. attenboroughii previously mentioned here.
The newest addition to the list is Nepenthes robcantleyi , which incidentally was known in the trade for some time and in fact was already rather famous prior to its formal describtion, being featured in horticulture shows like that in Chelsea and Singapore - albeit as "Black truncata".
2 forms were on display during the recent show here, a red form ....
The newest addition to the list is Nepenthes robcantleyi , which incidentally was known in the trade for some time and in fact was already rather famous prior to its formal describtion, being featured in horticulture shows like that in Chelsea and Singapore - albeit as "Black truncata".
2 forms were on display during the recent show here, a red form ....
...... and a darker form, which was how the name "Black truncata" came about.
It was previously believed to be a highland form of the N. truncata (shown below), differing in the wider peristome (the wings at the rim of the pitchers). However, the paper also stated several differences .... if you are keen take a look at François 's interesting entry.
Its closest relative is Nepenthes veitchii shown below, a more wide-ranging species from Borneo, although the pitchers are much smaller. Too close if you ask me.
Ref: Nepenthes robcantleyi sp. nov. (Nepenthaceae) from Mindanao, Philippines, Nordic J. Bot. 29: 2 (1-5; fig.). 2011
5 comments:
Gorgeous plants!
yes indeed. Unfortunately for me, another highlander.
Tis a shame we're loosing all of these delicate ecosystems. It's funny to say, but IT IS a bit cliche. It's a shame things are the way they are, I guess all one can do is remain optimistic. Thanks for sharing the latest oddity.
Lets hope it grows well and can be saved. Such a beauty.
Well, I am just glad it had been saved. There are just too few rescuers willing to deal with the red-tape and apathetic administrators.
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