Nepenthes pongoides is a tropical pitcher plant endemic to the Meliau Range, in central Sabah, Malaysia. The species is notable for its large size, making it one of the largest species of Nepenthes described in recent years.[1][2] Additionally, the species is characterized by peltate tendril exsertion and absence of upper pitchers. Among the most exceptional character of this species, is having an extraordinarily well-developed, persistent indumentum of long, coarse, dark reddish trichomes, unmatched by any other known Bornean Nepenthes species.[1][2] The species is assessed as Critically Endangered following the IUCN Red List criteria.[1][2]
| Nepenthes pongoides | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Nepenthaceae |
| Genus: | Nepenthes |
| Species: | N. pongoides
|
| Binomial name | |
| Nepenthes pongoides | |
Etymology
editThe name for this species, pongoides, was derived from word Pongo, a genus of primates, otherwise known as the orangutans and the Greek suffix '-oides' which means "resembling", pertaining to the highly developed and persistent red indumentum of the stems, phyllodes, tendrils, and pitchers.[1][2]
Phenology
editNo evidence or flowering individuals were seen.[1]
Distribution
editThe species is endemic to Meliau Range having been recorded at elevations of about 900 meters or more.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h Damit, Alviana; Yusof, Nur Adillah Mohd; Jumian, Jemson; Clarke, Charles; Robinson, Alastair S. (2024-12-12). "Sabah's hidden giant: Nepenthes pongoides (Nepenthaceae), a micro-endemic tropical pitcher plant from northern Borneo". Australian Journal of Botany. 72 (8). doi:10.1071/BT24050. ISSN 1444-9862.
- ^ a b c d e f Pskhun (2024-12-13). "Species New to Science: [Botany • 2024] Nepenthes pongoides (Nepenthaceae) • Sabah's Hidden Giant: A micro-endemic Tropical Pitcher Plant from northern Borneo". Species New to Science. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
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