A newly discovered species of pitcher plant, one of the largest and most unique varieties identified, has been uncovered in the remote mountains of Borneo, Malaysia.
The leaves of Nepenthes pongoides feature a distinctive rust-colored fur on their undersides, which inspired researchers to name the species after the Borneo orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) that inhabit the Meliau range in central Sabah.
“While it may not be as hairy as an orangutan, the coloration aligns closely with that of orangutan fur,” explained a researcher from the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne, Australia. The team suggests adopting the common name “orangutan pitcher plants” for this species. They identified only 39 individual plants during two expeditions, highlighting the species’ vulnerability to extinction without effective protective measures against poaching.
Evidence indicates that poachers had previously visited the area, as some plants were discovered listed for sale online before the team’s arrival.
The Nepenthes genus consists of carnivorous pitcher plants native to Southeast Asia and parts of the Pacific, boasting over 160 species. These plants are highly coveted in the black-market horticultural trade due to their striking water-holding leaves. In their natural habitat, insects and small animals can fall into these traps, leading to their digestion by the plant’s enzymes.
The mountain environment, characterized by boulders and a lack of running water above 300 meters, makes the pitcher plants a crucial water source for local wildlife. With pitchers reaching lengths of up to 45 centimeters, they can hold more than 2 liters of water, creating mini-ecosystems within themselves.
This new species had been misidentified in 2004, but researchers believe it deserves its rightful recognition. “Having studied Nepenthes in Borneo extensively, I can confidently say this is the hairiest variant I’ve encountered,” stated a team member from the Forest Research Centre in Sandakan, Malaysia. “Naming it after the orangutan honors the rich biodiversity of the region.”
Topics:
- plants/
- endangered species
